Uses of scapular island flap in pediatric axillary burn conractures

Preexpanded Brachial Artery Perforator Propeller Flap: An Addition to the Armamentarium for Postburn Axillary Contracture Reconstruction

BACKGROUND

Postburn axillary contracture is a common complication that leads to functional impairment and unsatisfactory aesthetic outcomes. The authors present their experience with axillary contracture reconstruction using preexpanded brachial artery perforator propeller (BAPP) flaps and provide a systematic review of other regional or free flaps.

METHODS

This retrospective study included patients who underwent postburn axillary contracture reconstruction using preexpanded BAPP flaps from 2015 to 2022. Data on the flap characteristics and function of the affected shoulders were recorded. A systematic review was conducted by retrieving studies that assessed the outcomes of regional or free cutaneous/fasciocutaneous flaps for treating axillary contracture from PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Scopus published before October 1, 2023.

RESULTS

Twelve preexpanded BAPP flaps measuring up to 26 × 11 cm (mean, 116.9 cm 2 ) survived completely with no major complications, and the donor sites were closed primarily. The average range of shoulder abduction increased from 77.9 to 141.7 degrees ( P = 0.002). The systematic review included 34 articles, reporting 12 regional and 3 free flaps. The most commonly reported flaps were the thoracodorsal artery perforator flap, scapular flap, and parascapular flap. The overall complication rate ranged from 0 to 25%, and the average change in shoulder abduction ranged from 72.5 to 99.4 degrees.

CONCLUSIONS

Preexpanded BAPP flaps can be used effectively for reconstructing postburn anterior axillary fold contracture. Donor-site availability and the specific axillary contracture type should be considered when selecting a regional or free flap.

Guidance for Circumflex Scapular Artery Flap Utilization in Pediatric Reconstruction

BACKGROUND

The circumflex scapular artery (CSA) flap system, consisting of scapular, parascapular, and chimeric flaps, is useful for pediatric reconstruction in many anatomical locations. The objectives of this case series are to offer insights into our decision-making process for selecting the CSA flap in particular pediatric reconstructive cases and to establish a framework for choosing a scapular or parascapular skin paddle. We also aim to emphasize important technical considerations of CSA flap utilization in pediatric patients.

METHODS

Pediatric reconstruction with CSA flaps performed at our institution between 2006-2022 was retrospectively reviewed. Patient demographics, indications, flap characteristics, complications, and operative data were abstracted. Functional donor site morbidity was assessed through postoperative physical examinations. Unpaired t test analyzed scapular versus parascapular flap size.

RESULTS

Eleven CSA flaps were successfully performed in 10 patients (6 scapular and 5 parascapular flaps). Patient ages ranged from 2 to 17 years. Scapular fasciocutaneous free flaps (n = 4) were performed in patients' ages 2-5 years for hand and forearm scar contractures. Two pedicled scapular flaps were performed for a single patient for bilateral axillary hidradenitis suppurativa. The 5 parascapular flaps were performed in patients' ages 2-14 years for calcaneus and forearm avulsion wounds and reconstruction after resection of hidradenitis suppurativa, nevus sebaceous, and Ewing sarcoma. In the sarcoma resection case, a chimeric flap with latissimus dorsi was employed. Average flap size was 101.6 ± 87.3 cm 2 (range: 18-300 cm 2 ). Parascapular flaps were significantly larger than scapular flaps (156.60 ± 105.84 cm 2 vs 55.83 ± 26.97 cm 2 , P = 0.0495). Overall, 3 complications occurred (27.3% of cases) including venous congestion (n = 2) and wound dehiscence (n = 1). There were no reported cases of compromised shoulder function at 1.9 ± 2.5-year follow-up. The successful reconstruction rate for scapular, parascapular, and chimeric flaps was 100%.

CONCLUSIONS

The CSA flap treated a wide variety of indications demonstrating the flap's attributes: large vessel caliber, wide arc of rotation, reliable vascular anatomy, minimal donor site morbidity, and ability to incorporate bone and muscle. Our cases also highlight important pediatric considerations such as vascular mismatch and limited scapular bone stock. We recommend selection of the parascapular over the scapular flap with reconstruction of larger, complex defects given its ability to be harvested with a large skin paddle.

Shoulder adduction contracture after burn: anatomy and treatment with quadrangular local scar subcutaneous pedicled flap, a new approach

BACKGROUND

Axillary adduction contracture is caused by scars that tightly surround the shoulder joint impairing the function of the upper limb. Due to severe scar surface deficiency, contracture release presents a challenge for surgeons since a method of release is transfer of tissue in the form of a large pedicled or free flap(s). Thus, development of simpler, less traumatic techniques, using local tissues, persists.

METHODS

Anatomic studies of shoulder adduction contractures after burn (pre-operative, during surgery, post-reconstruction) were done in 346 pediatric and adult patients. All were divided into three groups according to contracture types: with edge contractures (80%), medial (6%) and total (14%). Anatomical study covered peculiarities of total contractures and possibilities for their treatment using local scarred tissue.

RESULTS

Total contractures (48 patients) were caused by scars tightly surrounding the joint on three sides: anterior, posterior, and axillary. There were two specific forms of contracture: (a) shoulder close to the chest wall (22 of 48 patients) which was treated with thoracic pedicled or free flaps; (b) in 26 out of 48 patients a flat scar and skin graft surface laid along the shoulder and chest wall, in axillary projection, which were used for contracture release in the form of a subcutaneous pedicled quadrangular flap. The flap was mobilized only peripherally, descending to the apex of the axilla, forming the central axillary zone, and suspension of the axilla on a normal level. Wounds aside the flaps were covered with skin graft. Acceptable functional and cosmetic results were achieved in all 26 patients.

CONCLUSION

Total shoulder adduction contractures have two forms: (a) shoulder close/fused with the chest wall; and (b) along the chest wall and shoulder there is a flat surface, the tissue of which can be used for reconstruction in a form of scar subcutaneous pedicled quadrangular flap. Based on this flap, a new technique is described which is relatively easy to perform.

Postburn shoulder medial-adduction contracture: anatomy and treatment with trapeze-flap plasty

BACKGROUND

Shoulder-adduction contractures after burn, most frequent among big joints, cause functional deficiency of the upper limb and, therefore, benefits from surgical correction. Many reconstructive techniques and flaps have been suggested for contracture treatment, but the problem in choosing an adequate reconstructive technique based on the anatomy of the contracture remains. Shoulder-adduction contracture has been given less emphasis in research than any other type and its surgical reconstructive technique remains of concern.

METHODS

Anatomic features of scar shoulder-adduction contractures were studied in 346 patients, personally operated upon. This allowed us to classify all contractures into three types: edge, medial and total. New surgical techniques specifically for medial contractures were developed.

RESULTS

Eighty percent of patients had edge contractures in which the axillary fossa was spared. In 20% of patients, axilla, including the hairy dome, was involved. These cases were anatomically classified into two types: medial, making up 30% of the cases, when contracted scars involved only axilla, and total caused by scars, tightly surrounding the shoulder joint. The scars, causing medial contracture, form a crescent-shaped fold along the medial axillary line. The fold's sheets are scars in which there is skin surface surplus in width, which allows the contracture release with local tissues. Surface deficiency in length has a trapezoid form. Medial contracture can be successfully treated with opposite transposition of trapezoid adipose-scar flaps prepared from both sheets of the fold.

CONCLUSION

Medial shoulder-adduction contracture is a newly described type with specific anatomic features. Contracture can be successfully treated with local tissues using trapeze-flap plasty.

Posterior circumflex humeral artery perforator flap (PCHAP-flap) in axillary scar release

Az égési sérülés után kialakuló hegesedés gyakran érinti az axillaris régiót. A vállízület mozgását akadályozó hegek eredménytelen konzervatív kezelése esetén műtéti korrekció szükséges. A szerzők az axillaris régió égési sérülése után kialakult mozgáskorlátozottságot okozó instabil hegek miatt korai rekonstrukciót végeztek arteria circumflexa humeri posterior perforátor lebennyel. Véleményük szerint a lebeny, hagyományos szabad lebenyként történő alkalmazása mellett, kiválóan alkalmazható érnyeles szigetlebenyként is az axillaris régió rekonstrukciójában, például hónalji hegkorrekcióban.