Repair of extremity scar contracture by expanded local flaps

Objective To investigate the application of expanded local flap in repairing extremity scars. Methods Thirty patients with extremity scars contracture as a result of trauma, surgery or infection during July 2000 and March 2013 were included. There were 11 male and 19 female patients with age ranging from 11 to 34 years. Tissue expansion, scar resection, flap transfer and scar management were involved in this process. Results There 24 patients suffered from upper extremity scars and 6 patients suffered from lower extremity scars. Expander exposure was noted in 3 patients, and 3 patients suffered from infection during the expansion. During the 6-month to 1-year follow-up, all patients satisfied with the results in terms of the skin texture, color, flexibility after the treatment with expanded local skin flap. Conclusions The expanded local flaps are suitable for the repair of the longitudinal and oblique scars in the extremities. Key words: Cicatrix; Contracture; Extremities; Dilatation; Surgical flaps