Pre-fabricated lined axial flaps for reconstruction of extensive post-burn facial and forehead full-thickness composite defects

From January 1996 to February 1998, three patients who suffered extensive post-burn facial and forehead composite defects were treated successfully in our Burn Unit. The delto-pectoral flap and reverse radial forearm flap were pre-fabricated with lining of free split skin grafted onto the underside of the flap. The pre-fabricated flaps were sutured in situ for 2 3 weeks. The pre-fabricated lined axial flaps were then transferred for the reconstruction of facial and forehead composite defects. The flap had good blood supply and the wounds healed by first intention. The three cases presented all achieved satisfactory functional and aesthetic results. The results show that pre-fabricated lined axial flaps for the reconstruction of extensive facial and forehead composite defects are safe, effective and relatively easy for clinical application.