Trapeze Flap for Correction of Post Burn Finger Flexion Contractures

Abstract

Background and Objective: Scar flexion contractures of the fingers are a significant complication of burns of the hand, and they are a common cause of hand disability. Many reconstructive techniques are currently used however: the results are unsatisfactory in many of them. The objective is to evaluate the Trapeze flap for correction of post burn finger flexion contractures.

Materials and Methods: This is a Prospective study conducted at Rizgary teaching hospital and CMC private hospital in Erbil-Iraq from May 2013 to June 2018. The data of 48 patients [103 fingers] with post burn contractures treated with Trapeze flap were included. Follow-up results were observed from 6 months to 1 year after surgery. Full finger active flexion and active extension was regarded as a good result .

Results: Our study showed very high patient satisfaction rate about 96% (46 Patient out of 48]. Partial flap loss was a rare complication [ in one patient 2%] and infection in one patient 2%. In both the wounds healed with conservative management. post-operative scars were nearly invisible with no hypertrophic scar and no keloid formation, and the flaps’ surface
texture was close to the texture of undamaged fingers. There was no recurrence of the contractures.

Conclusions: Trapeze flap is a reliable and effective local flap for reconstruction of fingers post burn flexion contracture with very high patient satisfaction and success rate.