Combination of rhomboid flap and double Z-plasty technique for reconstruction of palmar and dorsal web space burn contractures

• Web space is reconstructed with its original tissue.
• The incisions are formed out of the web space to prevent recontracture.
• This technique does not need skin graft.
• The technique allows early physiotherapy.

BackgroundWeb space contractures after a burn can cause severe impairments in hand function along with esthetic deformities. In this study we present our experience with the combined treatment technique consisted of rhomboid flap and double Z-plasty for palmar and dorsal web space contractures.Materials and methodsCombined rhomboid flap and double Z-plasty was performed in eight patients with eleven web space contractures occurred after burn. The average follow-up was 10.9 months.ResultsThe average age of 8 patients was 16.3 years. The average duration of burn contractures was 6 years (range 1–13 years). The right third web of the patients was the most common contracted web space. In the postoperative period hematoma, infection, partial or total flap loss was not observed in any patient. Web and hand function and esthetic appearance of web spaces were satisfactory in the late postoperative period.ConclusionRhomboid flap combined with a double Z-plasty technique was an effective choice for the treatment of palmar and dorsal web space contracture after burn.

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