Use of Subcutaneous Pedicled Rhomboid Flap Technique for Surgical Treatment of Burn Contractures

Abstract

Objective: Release of contractures mainly due to burn scars mandates reconstruction with a well-vascularized tissue and an aesthetically acceptable result. Many techniques of the reconstructive ladder have been applied. Local flaps are the first choice. In thisstudy, we present a superior local flap alternative, the diamond flap (subcutaneous pedicled rhomboid flap), for the reconstructionof contractures.Methods: In a 1-year period, 23 patients underwent contracture release using a diamond flap. The elongation of the distancebetween two reference points on the contracture line was measured.Results: A total of 23 contractures due to burn scars were released via a diamond flap in 23 patients. No flap loss was seen. Patientswere followed up for an average of 18 months, and no recurrence of contractures was seen. Elongation of the contracture lineswas measured as the distance between two reference points preoperatively marked. We observed 60%–200% elongation of thecontracture line during early postoperative measurement and 30%–125% elongation during late postoperative measurementdepending on the anatomical site and original length of the contracture.Conclusion: Diamond flap should be kept in mind as an alternative for contracture release, especially in cases of wide, long, multiple adjacent contractures located in poorly vascularized areas.