Treatment of recurrent digital scar contracture in paediatric patients by proximal phalangeal island flap.

Despite adequate medical treatment, digital palmar burn scar contractures can still occur in children. Surgical treatment basically consists of scar release and skin grafting or Z-plasty. However, recurrence of deformity can occur, especially in children. Ten children with recurrent digital contractures were operated. The palmar scars were released and the defects covered by proximal phalangeal island flap. All flaps survived completely and no recurrence was observed, even 5 years after surgery. These promising results encouraged us to propose proximal phalangeal island flap as first choice in the treatment of recurrent digital scar contractures in paediatric patients.