Combined rectus abdominis muscle/paraumbilical flap and lower abdominal flap for the treatment of type III circumferential electrical burns of the wrist.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Type III circumferential electrical burns of the wrist are one of the most severe electrical injuries, involving rather extensive necrosis, progressive blood circulatory embarrassment and a high amputation rate. This injury poses a challenge for vascular reconstruction and wound coverage. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the combined rectus abdominis muscle/paraumbilical flap and lower abdominal flap for the treatment of type III circumferential electrical burns of the wrist.

METHODS:

Six men (age, 19-32 years; average, 21 years) with type III circumferential electrical burns of the wrist were included. After thorough debridement, the volar wound was repaired with a partial rectus abdominis muscle/paraumbilical flap and the dorsal wound was repaired with a lower abdominal flap.

RESULTS:

Flap survival was complete in all six patients. During a follow-up of 6-12 months, the flaps showed good texture and shape. No abdominal hernia occurred in any patients. The scar on the abdominal wall was acceptable.

CONCLUSION:

The combined rectus abdominis muscle/paraumbilical flap and lower abdominal flap has large wound coverage potential and offers a new, easy, safe option for the treatment of type III circumferential electrical burns of wrist.

• Authors: Xiao-hua Hu, Feng-jun Qin, Zhong Chen, Zu-yao Shen, Yu-ming Shen
• Journal: Burns : journal of the International Society for Burn Injuries (Burns) Vol. 39 Issue 8 Pg. 1631-8 (Dec 2013) ISSN: 1879-1409 [Electronic] Netherlands
• PMID: 23684318 (Publication Type: Journal Article)
• Copyright: Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd and ISBI. All rights reserved.

Topics

• Abdominal Wall (surgery)
• Adult
• Burns, Electric (pathology, surgery)
• Graft Survival
• Humans
• Male
• Muscle, Skeletal (surgery)
• Rectus Abdominis (transplantation)
• Surgical Flaps
• Tissue Transplantation (methods)
• Transplant Donor Site (surgery)
• Wrist Injuries (pathology, surgery)
• Young Adult