Role of combined Z-plasty and fractional carbon dioxide laser therapy in improving severe scar contracture of the fingers after burns in children: A retrospective study

Repairing severe scarring contractures of the fingers (SSCF) in pediatric patients can be challenging and often yields unsatisfactory outcomes. While either Z-plasty or fractional carbon dioxide laser (FCDL) have shown efficacy in improving mild scar contracture, their effectiveness in moderate cases and their combined use have not been explored. Therefore, this retrospective study aimed to evaluate the role of a treatment model that combines these two approaches in improving SSCF in pediatric patients with finger burns. Data were collected from 7 children who were admitted to our hospital between 2021 and 2023 with SSCF following burns. The SSCF was partially alleviated using local Z-plasty. Subsequently, after suture removal, the scar was treated with FCDL once a month. Remarkably, within an average of 50 days post-surgery, after a single FCDL session, the patients' fingers exhibited complete straightening. In conclusion, the combination of Z-plasty and FCDL proves to be a valuable treatment option for SSCF in pediatric patients. This minimally invasive and effective combination therapy warrants clinical promotion and further investigation.