Abstract
Pterygium colli or webbed neck is a congenital deformity mainly found in Turner syndrome.
It appears as a bilateral triangular fold extending from the mastoid to the acromion
with hairy skin abnormality. Structural variation of the fold, as described by Mehri
Turki's webbed neck classification, implies appropriate surgical repair. Despite the
availability of a range of surgical techniques, it remains difficult to choose the
most suitable one. Thus, this report aims to compare the lateral approach techniques
by selecting those providing the best results. A literature search using PubMed and
Google Scholar Database identified lateral approach techniques for pterygium colli.
A critical reading led us to select criteria for comparison, linked to procedures
and results. Moreover, according to aesthetic results, surgical techniques were classified
into three categories. A total 16 articles were published from 1937 to 2020 and enrolling
48 patients were selected. The neck contour was obtained with all procedures. However,
scars were hidden at the posterior neck in only 10 reports. Otherwise, the posterior
hairline was corrected in only 6 reports. According to these outcomes, a classification
of surgical technique was made allowing their pragmatic assessment. An objective assessment
of lateral approach techniques was realized to help surgeons choose the most convenient
one. From this study, a classification arises, based on aesthetic results, distinguishing
three groups of surgical techniques and allowing their comparison. Techniques belonging
to Group 2, using cervical advancement flap, were the most suitable, mainly both techniques
described by Reichenberger and Mehri Turki.
Keywords
webbed neck - pterygium colli - surgical technique - aesthetic - lateral approach
