Proximal and distal releasing incisions for the treatment of flexion contracture of the popliteal region.

Proximal and distal releasing incisions and skin grafting have been found to be useful as an alternative procedure to the standard transverse incision for dealing with flexion contractures of the popliteal region. In this region important structures underlying the deep fascia may readily be exposed when the deep fascia itself is involved in the scar process and is cut across during the release. Chronic ulcer formation in the centre of hypertrophic scar contracture is a fairly frequent accompanying feature. Proximal and distal release incisions help solve the problem by providing protection for the deep vessels, nerves and tendons, without jeopardising the take of a skin graft.