Superior Extension of the Parascapular Free Flap for Cervical Burn Scar Contracture

A newly designed superior extension of the parascapular free flap and its free transfer clinically for the repair of 11 cases of cervical burn scar contracture without any loss are presented. The flap sizes ranged from 16 x 7 cm to 32 x 11 cm. Based on the anatomic distribution of the circumflex scapular vessels, the flap in the scapular territory can be taken much longer and wider than before. There is less tension in this vertically oriented flap than in the horizontally oriented flap in obtaining primary closure. This method extends the application of the scapular territory as a donor site for free flaps.