title: Free flaps in burn reconstruction.
abstract: In this paper, we present our experience of free flap reconstructions in burned patients. It allows the preservation of otherwise unsalvageable deep burn injuries and secondary correction of contracted burn scars. We analyse the indications of different free flaps, according to different anatomic regions and defects: depth and width of the loss of tissue, different colour skin, texture and thickness of the receptor area, weight-bearing or not weight-bearing surface. Free flap reconstructions were successful in 50 of 53 cases (94%). They provide good aesthetic and functional results with low morbidity both in acute deep burn injuries as in delayed reconstructions.
authors.affiliation: Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Hand Surgery, University Hospital Maastricht, P. Debeylaan 25, Postbus 5800, 6202AZ, Maastricht, Netherlands.
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: De Lorenzi
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: van der Hulst
authors.forename: W
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Boeckx
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002056:Burns / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D002921:Cicatrix / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery; D003286:Contracture / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods; D013524:Surgical Flaps / Q000098:blood supply