Combined method of free lateral leg perforator flap with cervicoplasty for reconstruction of anterior cervical scar contractures: A new flap

Anterior cervical scar contracture remains a challenging problem for the plastic surgeon. Recent advances in flap techniques have made it possible to transfer various kinds of autogenous tissue. A free lateral leg perforator flap (LLPF) was first introduced and developed to reconstruct this burn deformity, according to the special nature of perforator anatomy. The authors used this flap to resurface post-burn anterior cervical contracture in a 31-year-old female patient with second-to-third-degree flame burns. The size of the excised scar was 25 × 5.5 cm; the size of the flap was 22 × 8 cm, with total flap survival. The hospital stay was 9 days, and the donor site was covered with a split-thickness skin graft. After a 5-month follow-up, functional improvement was evaluated by an increase in extension of 33 degrees (preoperative 92 to postoperative 125 degrees); an increase in rotation of 15 degrees (preoperative 70 to postoperative 85 degrees); and an increase in lateral flexion of 10 degrees (preoperative 35 to postoperative 45 degrees). The cervicomandibular angle was improved by 20 degrees (preoperative 110 degrees to post-operative 90 degrees). Both functional and aesthetic results, including contour restoration, can be achieved, using this kind of perforator flap combined with cervicoplasty.