Comparison of the rates of elongation provided by subcutaneous pedicle rhomboid flap and Z-PLASTY technique in rats

Conctracture joint mobility defined as decreased tissue contraction or distortion causing decreased function. Severe conctracutures may develop that may cause limitation of motion after deep burns in various parts of the body. Especially, among the developing treatment options of these joint contractures, surgical procudes is located in an important place. There are a number of surgical techniques in this field. In this study, we aimed to specifically observe difference between elongation rates obtained by rhomboid flap and Z-plasty technique which used to treatment of contractures developed after burns. In this study, Wistar albino type, 250-300 g body weight, 12-14 weeks of age, 8 rats were used. To rats, gauze with weight of 400 g was hung to lower limbs in order to stretch the inguinal skin. Contractures were opened through the tense line of right groin of rats 2 cm length with rhomboip flap and through the tense line of left groin of rats 2 cm length with Z-plasty technique. With both methods, flaps were sutured in order to obtain maximum elongation. Post-operative measurements were performed and evaluated statistically. In comparison between the initial value of the elongation obtained in both groups and the percentage of difference, statistically significant difference were found in favor of Z-plasty technique (p<0.00). As a result, elangation ratio obtained by Z-plasty technique were found to be greater than elangation ratio obtained by rhomboid flap. Keywords: Contracture, Z-plasty, rhomboid flap.