Usefulness of narrow pedicled intercostal cutaneous perforator flap for coverage of the burned hand.

A narrow pedicled intercostal cutaneous perforator (np-ICP) flap is used for reconstruction of hand scar contractures after burns. This flap is designed with a narrow pedicle which includes some intercostal cutaneous perforators of 4-7th intercostal spaces, and with a wide distal area which lies over the costal cage and upper abdomen. Additionally the flap is thinned until only the subdermal vascular network is preserved in most of the wide distal area. It seems that this flap is more useful, not only functionally but also aesthetically, than conventional methods. This report describes the technique and concept, with a demonstration of some clinical examples.