Cross-finger flaps from scarred skin in burned hands.

An innovation is described in the secondary repair of two types of longstanding post-burn flexion contracture of the little finger. The correction of the PIP joint flexion contractures caused by palmar burns can result in a defect on the palmar side of the finger after incision or excision of the scar. The reconstruction of the post-burn buttonhole flexion deformity of the PIP joint, can result in a defect on the extensor surface of the PIP joint after excision of the dorsal scarred skin. Both acquired defects were covered by two different cross-finger flap techniques, despite extensive scarring of the adjacent finger. It is evident that mature post-burn scarred skin on the dorsum of the finger can be utilised for a cross-finger flap procedure.