Background:
Burn contractures that cause a restriction in extremity movements have to be reconstructed.
Free microvascular flaps are generally needed in cases of severe contractures. The ideal free
flap for severe contracture defects has to have a large skin island without bulk and a long
pedicle for preventing recurrence and tension-free adaptation. Anterolateral thigh flap (ALT
flap) that meets these features has widely been used for several indications in reconstructive
surgery. Usage of ALT flap in burn contracture was described for burn and axillary
contractures in literature. In this study, the usage of free ALT flaps in various anatomic
contracture sites was reported.

Methods:
Fifteen free ALT flaps were performed in 14 (12 male, two female) patients with a mean age
of 36.6. Burn contracture defects in neck, axilla, popliteal, cubital region, plantar foot and
hand were reconstructed with ALT flap.

Results:
No total flap loss was encountered. Distal flap necrosis was seen in one case. All patients had
significant improvement in a range of motions. Recurrence in contracture was seen in one
patient with hand flexor contracture due to lack of physical treatment.
Conclusion:
ALT flap can safely be used in various anatomic contracture sites. Suprafascial elevation of
the flap can be preferred for better adaptation in the neck, hand and foot and prevention of
bulky appearance.

P.123 Reconstruction of burn contractures with free anterolateral thigh flap in various anatomic sites

Dear friends and colleagues,

We will be pleased to welcome you in Turin (Italy) for the 19th European Burns Association´s Congress in 2022. Italy is honored to hold the meeting of the European Burns Association for the second time, after Verona in 1995. Turin is easily reachable from everywhere in Europe, either travelling by car, train or choosing flight connections. During the meeting, held in the renewed industrial center of the main Italian historical automotive factory (i.e. Lingotto-FIAT), we will meet international burn specialists, focusing on standards of care, progresses in burn treatment, strategies to face disaster situations, with a special attention to education of younger colleagues. However, in your spare time, you might enjoy the sweet days of Italian late summer, simply wandering in the green parks and gardens along the two rivers which cross the city, or you might decide to discover the numerous art galleries, churches, palaces, libraries, walking across elegant squares and large boulevards, passing through centuries of art and history; finally, you may choose to immerse yourself in some of the most exciting museum experiences, such as the Cinema Museum and the Turin’s Egyptian museum.

Looking forward to seeing you all in Turin for the 19th European Association´s Congress in 2022!
Maurizio Stella, Congress President, Turin Burn Centre