Role of Square Flap in Post Burn Axillary Contractures

BACKGROUND: Post-burn contractures are a commonly encountered problem and many techniques have been described in their treatment. Z-plasties are the commonest local flap procedure done for linear bands with adjacent healthy tissue. Our aim was to assess the use of square flap technique in axillary contractures. METHODS: Ten patients with type I and II axillary contractures underwent release by the square flap technique. All cases were followed up for at least one year and analysed for range of motion and aesthetic outcome. RESULTS: All cases achieved full range of movement postoperatively with no recurrence during follow up period and a good cosmetic outcome. CONCLUSION: Square flap was shown to be a reliable technique for mild to moderate axillary contractures of the anterior or posterior axillary folds even when there is significant adjacent scarring of chest wall or back of types I and II.