OBJECTIVE

Based on our previous animal study, we applied the "bridging effect" to the neighboring axial flap through preexpansion and prefabrication of a skin perforator flap as a new method to reconstruct a large skin defect after release of severe neck burn scar contracture.

METHODS

Twelve patients suffering from severe post-burn cervical contractures underwent reconstruction of large skin defects after surgical release of severe scar contractures with preexpanded and prefabricated super-thin skin perforator flaps supplied primarily by a number of perforators via the "bridging effect" from the branches of the adjacent arteries as 2-stage procedures. During the first-stage operation, 2 tissue expanders were placed accordingly, and this was followed by a subsequent second-stage procedure where an expanded super-thin skin perforator flap was transposed to reconstruct a large neck skin defect. Follow-up was between 6 months and 3 years in this series.

RESULTS

All super-thin skin perforator flaps survived in this series with primary healing except one with a distal flap necrosis that was treated with a subsequent skin graft. All patients have had a good contour with improved range of motion in the neck.

CONCLUSIONS

The preexpansion and prefabrication of a super-thin skin perforator flap can possibly improve the anastomoses between neighboring subdermal vascular plexuses and extend the supplying area of these vessels to the flap. This method may provide a favorable super-thin skin flap that can be used for reconstruction of large neck defects after release of post-burn cervical scar contracture as demonstrated in this case series.