Tissue expansion in reconstruction of postburn contracture of the first web space of the hand.

Abstract

The successful release of severe contracture of the first web space depends on addition of a sufficient amount of skin. Because local skin is limited, skin grafts tend to contract, and free and pedicle flaps are bulky, further procedures are often obligatory. Expansion of the tissues of the dorsum of the hand offers an effective and relatively simple approach to generate the excess skin needed. We present a patient in whom an inflatable silicone implant was used to correct recurrent first web space contracture after burns.