Aesthetic reconstruction of severe postburn neck contractures.

Abstract

Severe neck contractures after burns cause gross facial deformity and severe functional disability. Reconstruction of these deformities is challenging. Goals of reconstruction are to obtain full range of neck movements and to restore the aesthetic appearance to the face and neck. Several methods have been described. Although all of them focus on achieving full extension and resurfacing of the neck, they often fail to restore an aesthetic contour to the neck especially in lateral profile. We present our method based on the treatment of 96 patients, with severe neck contractures operated between September 2000 and October 2005. We have successfully achieved full unlimited range of neck movements and restored a natural pleasing contour of the neck both in anterior and lateral profile. There has been no recontracture at the follow-up of 1 year.