Scar contracture after burn injury is frequent in the axillary region. If conservative treatment of scars limiting the range of motion of the shoulder joint fails, surgical correction is needed. The authors performed an early reconstruction in a case with unstable scar formation and limited range of motion after burn injury to the axillary region, using the posterior circumflex humeral artery perforator flap. In their opinion, the flap (beside its conventional use as a free flap) may be useful as an island flap in the reconstruction of the axillary region, e. g. for axillary scar release.

Authors report on the use of Integra dermal regeneration template after excision of an extended, recurrent skin tumor in the temporal region. The area covered with Integra was 180 cm2. Skin grafting to cover Integra was performed on the 28th day. Both Integra and the skin transplant were taken 100%. Integra dermal regeneration template can provide good functional and aesthetic result in the surgical management of extended skin tumors over the skull.

Authors report the application of Integra dermal regeneration matrix in 10 patients in 12 indications (ages 25-74 years, 6 female and 4 male patients). The smallest reconstructed area was 6 cm2, the largest was 500 cm2. Skin coverage was needed on the lower arm in two patients, on the lower arm and the hand in two patients and on the hand in six patients. Skin grafting onto the neodermis was made on days 19-25. The take rate of Integra was equal or higher than 97%, and the take rate of the skin graft was equal or higher than 90%. Integra dermal regeneration template proved to be suitable for the management of complex wounds on the hands and upper extremities.

Authors performed reconstructive surgery for extensive skin and mandibular bone defect following gunshot injury to the left side of the face. The soft tissue and bone defect was reconstructed with the free osteocutaneous fibula flap harvested from the left lower leg, as suitable local reconstructive flap was not available. The bony continuity was reestablished with a 7 cm long fibula segment. Microvascular anastomoses were performed to the left occipital artery and the left internal jugular vein. The occipital artery was chosen as the external carotid system was completely missing on the right side and was missing several branches on the left side due to the trauma. The fibular segment became fully incorporated and 95% of the flap healed by primary intention.

Autotransplantation is currently regarded as the optimal skin replacement method, sufficient donor site, however, is often not available in extensively burned patients. Intensive research and development of skin replacement products is conducted worldwide in order to decrease the size of the required donor site. Short- and long-term wound coverage is made possible by temporary synthetic and non-synthetic skin substitutes. Autografts and cultured epithelial autografts are used for permanent skin substitution. Until this is possible, the barrier function of the skin is provided by bio-engineered temporary skin substitutes. Some products and methods are currently available in Hungary, while others are still in the introductory phase. In order to provide an overview, authors summarize the skin replacement methods and compare the different skin replacement products used worldwide from the perspective of the burn surgeon. The use of new methods to be introduced in the near future needs to be rationalized due to financial considerations.