Reliability of Supraclavicular Artery Flap in Reconstruction of Postburn Neck Contracture

Introduction: Neck contracture is a well-known complication of burn of any etiology. They have a depressing psychological impact with various degrees of physical limitation. A challenge lies in restoring form and function of the neck following contracture release. The supraclavicular artery flap (SCAF) is a fasciocutaneous flap that provides an option for neck reconstruction. The aim of this study is to evaluate the functional and aesthetic outcomes of supraclavicular artery flap in reconstruction of postburn neck contracture.Patients and methods: This case series study was conducted on patients with postburn neck contracture who were evaluated at Sohag plastic surgery department in the period from January 2023 to November 2024. Release of neck contracture was done and reconstruction was done by SCAF. Data was collected including the degree of neck contracture, flap size, flap survival and complication and donor site outcome. Evaluation of flap aesthetic outcome was done using Likert scale.Results: The study included 18 patients (14 females) with a mean age of 29.2 years. All flaps showed no partial or complete necrosis, although distal dehiscence was observed in 5 cases. The donor site was closed primarily in 3 cases, while in 15 cases split thickness grafts were used. The overall aesthetic outcome of the flap was very good in 72% of cases, 17% good and regular in 11% of cases.Conclusion: Supraclavicular artery flap is a versatile and reliable flap for neck reconstruction that should be considered for cases with postburn neck contracture, especially when free flaps are not amenable or technically not possible.