Anterior Neck Resurfacing Using a Single Free Flap: Comparison of Flap Descent in Patients With Burn Sequelae of the Neck/Chest and Patients With Burn Sequelae of Only the Neck

BACKGROUND: Burn sequelae involving the anterior neck and thorax produce a difficult challenge for reconstruction because contracture of anterior thoracic burns in addition to functional movement of the chest wall can result in downward displacement of the neck unit. The purpose of this study was to understand the influence of burn sequelae of the anterior thorax on anterior neck flap descent, function, and aesthetics. METHODS: Ten patients with burn sequelae of only the anterior neck (group 1) and 10 additional patients with burn sequelae of the anterior neck and thorax (group 2) were retrospectively identified. All 20 patients were treated with scar release and a single extended circumflex scapular free flap for neck resurfacing. Patients were followed for an average of 10 years, at which time flap descent from the sternal notch, deficit of neck extension, and subjective reports of discomfort were measured. RESULTS: Patients in group 1 experienced a median flap descent of 0 [interquartile range (IQR), 1.62 cm] and a median deficit of 0 degrees (IQR, 5 degrees ) during neck extension. Patients in group 2 experienced a median flap descent of 8 cm (IQR, 1.75 cm) and a median deficit of 12.5 degrees (IQR, 10 degrees ) during neck extension. Retrospective analysis of the 10 patients with burn sequelae of the anterior neck and thorax (group 2) demonstrated a significantly greater degree of flap descent and deficit of neck extension compared with the 10 patients with burn sequelae of only the anterior neck (group 1). Patients in group 1 also subjectively reported less discomfort at follow-up compared with patients in group 2. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that patients with burn sequelae involving the anterior neck and thorax have a significantly greater degree of flap descent and neck extension compared with patients with burn sequelae involving only the anterior neck. Flaps of a larger surface area or use of multiple flaps for neck resurfacing may be considered to avoid significant flap descent associated with burn sequelae involving both the anterior neck and thorax.