Long Arm Double Asymmetrical Sliding Flaps: A Technique to Treat Flexion Contractures of Digits

Abstract

Contracture involving flexor aspect of the fingers is one of the common sequelae encountered after burns, infection, and trauma. In the treatment of contractures, the surgeon is often challenged by the paucity of skin flaps to cover the joint area. It is then covered with skin grafts, leading to recurrence. When there is a large discrepancy between the required and the available length of skin, traditional Z-plasty techniques fail to overcome this deficiency of the skin. We employ 2 long skin flaps to cover the joint, using all the available skin around the contracture and leaving areas on the sides of the digit that are covered by full-thickness skin grafts.

Keywords: Contracture; contracture release; finger contracture; long arm; post burn deformity; sliding flaps.