Free groin flap for reconstruction in neck contracture

The conventional full-thickness skin graft for cervical contracture release requires immediate compression and long-term neck splint to prevent recurrence of neck scar contracture. However, this results in discomfort and is of inconvenience to the patients. Whereas, a free groin flap is harvested from the same donor site without the above drawbacks. A free groin flap was applied in three of our chronic burn patients. Cervical contracture was released and the scar was completely replaced by the flap. The donor site was closed primarily and no immediate post-operative compression and long-term neck splint was needed. All flaps survived completely while the contracted necks were released and free movement was observed after two days of surgery. The donor sites could be closed primarily except in one case, where a wide groin flap was required. Besides, no recurrence of neck contracture was observed after more than one year of follow-up. A free groin flap provides a good long-term result, which is more comfortable and convenient for the patients, and is thus another option to reconstruct a contracted neck.