Fasciocutaneous flaps for burn reconstruction: a report of 57 flaps.

We have used 57 fasciocutaneous flaps in 24 patients to correct burn contractures. There were six complications, four of which healed with dressings alone. The flaps were used either locally (22 patients) or as a cross-leg flap (2 patients). The local flaps have clearly shown that grafted areas can be raised as flaps provided that the fascia is included in the flap, and that the flap can also be based distally. Fasciocutaneous flaps have several advantages over the technique of cross-cutting the contracture, followed by split skin grafting. Firstly, there is no skin graft, which may result in further contracture. Secondly, if a patient does not have a skin graft on the secondary defect (83% in this series), the patient has the advantage of a shorter hospital stay. The techniques of the design and raising of fasciocutaneous flaps for burn reconstruction are discussed.