title: Comparison of the rates of elongation provided by multiple smaller rhomboid flaps and larger single rhomboid flap--an experimental study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The rhomboid flap is one of the geometric relaxation techniques used for releasing burn scar contractures.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  In the present study, we evaluated the question; 'which is better: one larger rhomboid flap or a series of multiple smaller rhomboid flaps?'
  
  
  METHODS
  Ten male Wistar rats each weighing 250-300 g were used. In the groups, 2.5 cm of the inguinal region was used. Two 1 cm long rhomboid flaps with spaced by 0.5 cm were used in the right side and a single 2.5 cm long rhomboid flap was used in the left side.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  An elongation by using single larger rhomboid flap (66%) is significantly bigger than an elongation by using multiple smaller rhomboid flaps (26%) (p<0.01).
authors.affiliation: GATA Haydarpaşa Eğitim Hastanesi, Plastik Cerrahi Kliniği, Selimiye Mahallesi Tibbiye Caddesi, 34668 Usküdar, Istanbul, Turkey. eulkur@yahoo.com
authors.forename: Ersin
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Ulkür
authors.forename: Bahattin
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Celiköz
authors.forename: Hüseyin
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Karagöz
authors.forename: Cengiz
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Açikel
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002056:Burns / Q000150:complications*; D002921:Cicatrix / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D003286:Contracture / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D016038:Skin Transplantation / Q000379:methods; D013524:Surgical Flaps / Q000706:statistics & numerical data