TECHNICAL CONSIDERATIONS IN POST BURN NECK RECONSTRUCTION

Abstract

Background: Neck contractures occur when the deep dermal burns were allowed to heal spontaneously. We are revisiting the technical and aesthetic principles in the reconstruction of post burn neck contracture. Methods: A total number of 18 patients have undergone reconstructive procedures for post burn neck contracture during the period of Jan-2010 to Dec-2013 in the Department of Burns, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Kilpauk Medial College, Chennai. Results: 17 patients were treated with split thickness skin grafting (SSG) while one patient was treated with Single sheet full thickness skin graft (FTSG) to cover the neck raw area following contracture release. All patients were advised postoperative splinting. The maximum follow up was 18 months. We did not have recurrence of neck contracture in our series. Conclusion: Neck contracture is the result of deep burn in the neck treated without surgery or inadequate rehabilitation and splinting at the time of wound healing. Neck reconstruction is done commonly with SSG. The disadvantage is cosmetically less appealing and recurrence. FTSG is more technically demanding than SSG but provides a better cosmesis and functional outcome. Flaps can offer an excellent solution in recurrent contractures provided the donor areas are uninjured.