Fasciocutaneous flaps for burn contractures of the axilla.

Fasciocutaneous flaps do not compromise the function of joints, are less bulky and are easier to dissect. Their use prevents the uncomfortable prolonged splintage of the axilla with the shoulder in abduction which follows split skin grafting. Fasciocutaneous flaps are reliable and failure is minimal, if at all, unlike split skin grafting. Parascapular, lateral thoracic and cervicohumeral fasciocutaneous flaps have been used in 23 patients (aged 8-36 years) with a total of 30 flaps. The mean hospital stay was 12 days and no recurrence of the contracture was observed in the follow-up period of 3-18 months.