Objective?To investigate the operative method and efficacy of subcutaneous pedicle scar-band rotation flap in the treatment of cervical postburn scar contracture.?Methods?Between August 2008 and May 2010, 15 patients with cervical postburn scar contracture were treated with subcutaneous pedicle scar-band rotation flaps, including 9 males and 6 females with an average age of 17.3 years (range, 7-35 years). The disease duration was 1-8 years (mean, 3 years). The locations were the left cervical region in 6 cases, the right cervical region in 8 cases, and mental cervical angle region in 1 case. According to LI Ao’s classification standard for cicartrical contracture, there were 12 cases of grade I and 3 cases of grade II. The area of scar ranged from 8 cm × 5 cm to 25 cm × 12 cm. After scar relaxation, wounds were repaired with the subcutaneous pedicle scar-band rotation flaps of 7 cm × 5 cm to 15 cm × 10 cm at size. In 3 cases of grade II, free split thickness skin grafts (7 cm × 4 cm to 12 cm × 7 cm at size) were used simultaneously.?Results?After 2 weeks of operation, 2 scar-band flaps had distal partial necrosis and healing was achieved after dressing change with formation of hypertrophic scar; the others survived with healing of incisions by first intention. After 6-12 months of follow-up, all patients possessed good cervical contours, sufficient release of scar contractures, and normal cervico-mandicular or mental cervical angles. The skin’s color and texture were satisfactory. There was no recurrence of cervical scar contracture and other complications. All patients acquired normal cervical movement at last follow-up.?Conclusion?Subcutaneous pedicle scar-band rotation flap is a simple, efficient, and versatile technique in release of cervical postburn scar contracture. It is an effective method to make use of the lateral excess scar flap to resurface defects caused by scar release.
