Use of dorsal ulnar neurocutaneous island flap in the treatment of chronic postburn palmar contractures

In the present study, the authors evaluated efficiency of the "dorsal ulnar neurocutaneous island flap" in the coverage of palmar defects resulting from radical release of selected chronic postburn contractures. Eight white male hands with palmar contracture were treated with this flap between November 2001 and December 2003. The mean follow-up period was 11.6 months. The flap, which was planned on the ulnar aspect of the forearm and the hand, is transferred to the palmar defect. The subcutaneous pedicle of the flap was skin-grafted to avoid tension. All operations were successful. Distal flap necrosis that healed by secondary intention was observed in one of the eight flaps. Seventy-five degrees was the maximum improvement in metacarpophalangeal (MP) joint extension achieved in the little finger. Grasp function of the hand dramatically improved and the bulk of the flap did not interfere with grasping. No recurrent palmar contracture was observed. The authors concluded that the dorsoulnar neurocutaneous island flap can be used effectively in the treatment of postburn palmar contractures. The safety of the flap can be enhanced by grafting the intervening skin between the pivot point of the flap and the palmar defect.