Handchirurgie, Mikrochirurgie, plastische Chirurgie : Organ der Deutschsprachigen Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Handchirurgie : Organ der Deutschsprachigen Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Mikrochirurgie der Peripheren Nerven und Gefässe : Organ der Vereinigung der Deutschen Plastischen Chirurgen
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Due to the improvement of surgery and intensive care more and more patients survive even severe burn injuries. Therefore we have to pay attention not only to survival alone but also to the achievement of a good quality of life. Thereby, one of the most important aspects is sufficient tissue coverage. After appropriate debridement functionally important structures may be exposed. Therefore, these areas require more than split skin coverage. These cases necessitate flap coverage for preservation of function or, respectively, limb salvage. In secondary reconstruction flaps are commonly used for scar revision. The aim of this study is to give more detailed information about the need for flaps in burn surgery. ⋯ Limb salvage was the dominant indication for primary reconstruction compared to the improvement of function and aesthetics for secondary reconstruction. The timing of reconstruction has an important influence on the flap outcome and has to be considered when the decision for reconstruction is made. So, if possible, the period between the 6th and the 21st day should not be chosen for flap coverage.