Scar contracture after burn injury is frequent in the axillary region. If conservative treatment of scars limiting the range of motion of the shoulder joint fails, surgical correction is needed. The authors performed an early reconstruction in a case with unstable scar formation and limited range of motion after burn injury to the axillary region, using the posterior circumflex humeral artery perforator flap. In their opinion, the flap (beside its conventional use as a free flap) may be useful as an island flap in the reconstruction of the axillary region, e. g. for axillary scar release.
Autotransplantation is currently regarded as the optimal skin replacement method, sufficient donor site, however, is often not available in extensively burned patients. Intensive research and development of skin replacement products is conducted worldwide in order to decrease the size of the required donor site. Short- and long-term wound coverage is made possible by temporary synthetic and non-synthetic skin substitutes. Autografts and cultured epithelial autografts are used for permanent skin substitution. Until this is possible, the barrier function of the skin is provided by bio-engineered temporary skin substitutes. Some products and methods are currently available in Hungary, while others are still in the introductory phase. In order to provide an overview, authors summarize the skin replacement methods and compare the different skin replacement products used worldwide from the perspective of the burn surgeon. The use of new methods to be introduced in the near future needs to be rationalized due to financial considerations.
Authors performed successful skin replacement with Integra, a dermal regeneration template, on a patient with circumferential avulsion injury including the elbow region and the dorsum of the hand. The take rate of Integra was 97%, followed by a 98% take rate of the split thickness mesh graft used for final wound coverage. Treatment modality provided excellent aesthetic and functional results, underlining the role of Integra in cases of extensive traumatic skin and soft tissue deficit, such as the treatment of avulsion injury.
The take-rate on the donor area was 100% for Integra and 99% for the skin graft, and 90% for both Integra and the skin graft on the back of the hand, providing a good functional and aesthetic result.
Authors performed reconstructive surgery for extensive skin and mandibular bone defect following gunshot injury to the left side of the face. The soft tissue and bone defect was reconstructed with the free osteocutaneous fibula flap harvested from the left lower leg, as suitable local reconstructive flap was not available. The bony continuity was reestablished with a 7 cm long fibula segment. Microvascular anastomoses were performed to the left occipital artery and the left internal jugular vein. The occipital artery was chosen as the external carotid system was completely missing on the right side and was missing several branches on the left side due to the trauma. The fibular segment became fully incorporated and 95% of the flap healed by primary intention.
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