title: The propeller flap for postburn elbow contractures.
abstract: Flexion contracture of the elbow is a common sequela of burn injury. Numerous methods have been suggested for release, including grafting, Z-plasty, Y-V flaps, local or distant fasciocutaneous flaps, muscle or myocutaneous flaps, free flaps, tissue expanders and non-surgical orthotics. In this article the authors present their experience with the propeller flap method in seven cases of elbow flexion contracture. Sufficient extension and an acceptable aesthetic outcome were obtained. Other benefits include easy design and rapid flap elevation that permits a single stage correction of the deformity without further sacrificing an artery or muscle. We think that the main disadvantage of the propeller flap is using the same skin that has suffered from the burn insult which has a poorer cosmetic result. Other than this and excluding deep burn injuries, we believe that the propeller flap is a useful alternative for elbow contracture release.
authors.affiliation: Ankara Training and Research Hospital, Department of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Mahatma Gandi cad. Mesa Ufuk 1 sitesi, 51/28 Gaziosmanpasa, 06700 Ankara, Turkey.
authors.forename: Gurcan
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Aslan
authors.forename: Dogan
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Tuncali
authors.forename: Bulent
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Cigsar
authors.forename: Ayse Yuksel
authors.initials: AY
authors.lastname: Barutcu
authors.forename: Ahmet
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Terzioglu
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002056:Burns / Q000150:complications* / Q000601:surgery; D002648:Child; D003286:Contracture / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D013524:Surgical Flaps; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D000092464:Elbow Injuries