SURGICAL-MANAGEMENT FOR MENTOSTERNAL CONTRACTURES BY FLAP PROCEDURES

Mentosternal contractures still represent a surgical challenge due to their prominent position. They require early operative treatment for b oth function and aesthetic reasons. Careful clinical examination of sc ar position and traction forces, both at rest and when functioning, in addition to proper evaluation of the surrounding soft tissue are mand atory for precise preoperative planning of the required reconstruction . In general, the technically most feasible operation is favored if th e functional and aesthetic results are good and postoperative risk for recurrence is low. Between 1987 and 1994, 21 patients with cervical, mentosternal, and mentothoracic contractures were operated upon. Eight patients were reconstructed with local flaps and 13 with microvascula r free flaps.