An expanded latissimus dorsi flap (expanded LD flap) was transferred in two patients
with severe post-burn neck contracture. Free flaps created using standard techniques
are of limited size and sometimes cannot cover the defect after excision of scar tissue,
particularly when a severe burn scar extends to the facial region. However, the authors
found in their cases that the expanded LD flap could cover the whole anterior neck
and face. The flap was sufficiently reduced in thickness so that revisional operations
required for debulking were limited to the area around the pedicles. It is suggested
that tissue expansion prior to free flap transfer is useful for enlargement of the
flap survival area and thinning of the flap.
Expanded flap - latissimus dorsi flap - neck contracture
