Skin Graft Harvested from Hypertrophic Scar Tissues as a Treatment Option of Post Burn Popliteal Contracture: A Case Report

Background: Burn injuries can range from minor injury up to life-threatening medical problems. Scars and contractures of varying degrees may develop on a healed burn patient, causing problems in functional and aesthetic components. Surgery is indicated on contracture patients with limited range of motion on the affected limb. Aims : This study aims to report a-33 year old female patient with popliteal contracture following a gas explosion at her home six months ago. Case Presentation: The patient presented with diffused desmogen contracture of the left popliteal with limited range of motion, and hypertrophic scar tissue in some parts of her body, such as the posterior side of both thighs and both lower leg. The patient is unable to walk normally because her left knee cannot be straightened following the burn trauma. Surgical procedure was done to excise the contracture, and split thickness skin graft harvested from the hypertrophic scar of posterior left thigh was used to close the defect. Result: Patient achieved satisfactory result following surgery. The patient demonstrated improved knee function, with the ability to walk normally without assistive device. Conclusion: Closing defect after excision of contracture using skin graft from hypertrophic scar tissue offers the patient a good chance for release contracture without the risk of additional scar tissue.