Neck scar contracture release and resurfacing with synthetic dermal substitute – tips and tricks for success
Elizabeth Concannon1, Marcus Wagstaff1, Nicholas Solanki1, 1Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
Abstract
Post burn neck contractures cause major functional and cosmetic problems by affecting range of movement, impairing function of the lower face as well as potential distortion of the cervical spine. Surgical interventions aim to release the scar, restore cervical movements, appearance and natural profile and avoid recurrence of contracture.
This single centre case series reports lessons learned from 5 patients who underwent neck burn scar contracture excisional release and staged resurfacing with a synthetic dermal substitute known as biodegradable temporising matrix. Operative, anaesthetic and rehabilitation techniques to maximise outcomes, optimise cosmesis and minimise contracture recurrence are discussed.
Dermal substitutes represent a valuable tool in the burn surgeons armamentarium for secondary burn scar reconstruction following neck burn contracture release.
Biography
Dr Elizabeth Concannon (MB BCh BAO MCh FRCS(Plast)) works as a Plastic, Reconstructive and Burns Surgeon at the Royal Adelaide Hospital and Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Adelaide.
After Dr Concannon completed training across all
aspects of Plastic, Reconstructive and Burns Surgery in
Ireland, she pursued further fellowship training in the
Royal Adelaide Hospital Burns Unit, followed by reconstructive fellowship at Peter Mac Callum Cancer Centre, Melbourne.
Dr Concannon has maintained a strong interest in clinical research throughout her career, particularly within the subspecialty of burns where she is involved in studies relating to dermal replacements, tissue engineering and scar outcomes.