Optimal Design of O-to-Z Flaps for Closure of Facial Skin Defects
Edward D. Buckingham, MD;
Francis B. Quinn, MD;
Karen H. Calhoun, MD
Arch Facial Plast Surg. 2003;5:92-95.
Objective To determine the optimal design of an O-to-Z flap for closure of facial skin defects.
Methods Prospective cadaver study. Multiple 2-cm-diameter circular skin defects were created in fresh cadavers. Three types of O-to-Z flaps were designed, varying the angle of a curved line about concentric radii of the defect: acute, intermediate, or wide angle flap. The tension of closure of each was measured and compared at different lengths of incision and extents of undermining.
Results The acute angle flap had a significantly lower closing tension at all lengths of incision and extents of undermining than the intermediate and wide angle flaps. Increasing the amount of undermining alone without incising the flap did not significantly decrease the closing tension. Incising the acute angle flap to 4 radii created a nearly tension-free closure.
Conclusions The optimal design for reducing tension of the O-to Z flap is an acute angle flap. The optimal length of incision and undermining necessary to minimize closing tension is discussed.
From the Department of Otolaryngology, Division of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston.
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