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Indian Journal of Plastic Surgery
Medknow Publications on behalf of Indian Journal of Plastic Surgery
ISSN: 0970-0358 EISSN: 0970-0358
Vol. 43, No. S1, 2010, pp. 80-84
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Bioline Code: pl10050
Full paper language: English
Document type: Research Article
Document available free of charge
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Indian Journal of Plastic Surgery, Vol. 43, No. S1, 2010, pp. 80-84
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Free groin flap for recurrent severe contractures of the neck in children
Ghosh, Abhishek & Jayakumar, R.
Abstract
Context: Severe post burns contracture in children not only leads to functional impairment but also has profound psychological impact on the child. Untreated neck contractures have been shown to inhibit mandibular growth. Skin grafting in children has a higher rate of recurrence and in these cases a thin pliable flap seems to provide a durable solution. Aim : To study the feasibility of using primarily thinned free groin flap in the treatment of recurrent neck contractures in children. Materials and Methods: Five patients, in the age group of 5-10 years, with recurrent neck contractures and operated between 2005 and 2008 were included in this study. The sternomental distance, lateral flexion angle and cervicomental angle were measured preoperatively, postoperatively and during the subsequent follow-up visits. The patients were followed up for a period between 1 and 3 years with a mean of 29 months. Results: All the flaps survived. The cervicomental angle improved significantly to 90-105°, the lateral flexion angle improved to 35-45° and the sternomental distance increased considerably. Conclusions: Recurrent post burns contracture of the neck in children causes not only functional and aesthetic impairment but also psychological problems. A free micro-thinned groin flap provides a very attractive solution for this problem and should be seen as an effective alternative in recurrent cases.
Keywords
Free flap; recurrent post burns contracture neck
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© Copyright 2010 Indian Journal of Plastic Surgery. Alternative site location: http://www.ijps.org/
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