Shoulder Edge Anterior Adduction Contracture: Anatomy and Treatment with Axillary Adipose-Cutaneous Trapezoid Flap

Abstract

The shoulder adduction contracture is the most common of all large joint contractures; it restricts all upper limb function. Therefore, much attention is given to treatment of its postburn outcome. Since the shoulder rests in the adducted position, skin graft shrinkage becomes inevitable and techniques based on triangular flaps are anatomically not substantiated and contracture is often not released fully. Based on careful study of the anatomical features of contractures, a more efficient surgical technique for edge scar shoulder adduction contracture elimination was developed. Surgical treatment based on contracture anatomy and the trapezoid-flap plasty is presented in this chapter.