Ws. Tseng et al., Microsurgical combined scapular/parascapular flap for reconstruction of severe neck contracture: Case report and literature review, J TRAUMA, 47(6), 1999, pp. 1142-1147
Objective: The reconstruction for severe neck contracture is difficult, bec
ause it may include not only the necessity the use of a large flap but also
the ability for three-dimensional movement of the neck.
Methods: A 41-year-old woman sustained a severe neck contracture with retra
ction of the lower lip and limited range of neck motion after a chemical bu
rn. We used the combined scapular/parascapular nap to reconstruct the soft-
tissue defect in the neck after excision of hypertrophic scar and release o
f contracture. The scapular portion was transferred to cover the defect ver
tically, and the parascapular portion was transferred to cover the transver
se portion of the neck. This kind of design would allow the patient to move
her neck more easily.
Results: Postoperatively, the range of motion of the neck was full in the v
ertical and horizontal directions after 6 months of rehabilitation. Also, t
he patient was satisfied with the final aesthetic results.
Conclusion: The microsurgical combined scapular/parascapular flap, providin
g a large area of tissue for coverage in three dimensions with a reliable b
lood supply by only one pedicle anastomosis during surgery, is a good optio
n for reconstruction of the severe neck contracture. We classify the inset
of the combined scapular/parascapular flap into three types with six subtyp
es, according to the location of defects and the relation of the parascapul
ar flap to the scapular flap.