OBJECTIVETo observe the therapeutic effect of supraclavicular island flap in repairing deep burn wound of neck.

METHODSSix patients with deep burn of neck hospitalized from January 2009 to June 2011 were enrolled in the study. Their total burn area ranged from 6% to 22% TBSA, of which full-thickness area ranged from 3% to 22% TBSA. The neck wound ranged from 12 cm x 5 cm to 15 cm x 8 cm in area, and they were all full-thickness in depth. One of the neck wounds was covered with granulation tissue. Patients underwent either debridement and escharectomy or excision of granulation tissue for the neck wound, and they were covered with supraclavicular island flap designed with the size corresponding to that of wound area. Four donor sites were sutured directly. The other two donor sites were covered with free skin graft. Survival of flaps and healing of donor sites were observed. The appearance and function recovery of operative regions were followed up.

RESULTSSupraclavicular island flaps of 6 patients survived as a whole. All the donor sites healed well. Flaps with satisfactory appearance and feeling sensation, accompanied by unlimited extension of neck were observed in the follow-up duration from 6 to 12 months. Scars observed in the flap edge and the donor sites were linear, and they did not affect the overall appearance and function of patients.

CONCLUSIONSSupraclavicular island flap is a good choice for repairing deep burn wound of neck, and it gives a good shape and function recovery of the neck.