Solano-Jiménez et al. (2026)
expuestos tendón, articulación, hueso o paquete neurovascular, mientras que los injertos son
apropiados para lechos bien vascularizados y defectos superficiales amplios. Conclusiones. La
evidencia disponible sugiere una ventaja funcional de los colgajos en contracturas pediátricas
complejas o profundas, pero no demuestra superioridad universal frente a los injertos por la baja
certeza y el sesgo de selección. Cuando el lecho permite injerto, el injerto de espesor total debe
preferirse al de espesor parcial para minimizar contracción secundaria. La decisión debe
individualizarse según profundidad, superficie, estructuras expuestas, localización, crecimiento
esperado y posibilidad de rehabilitación prolongada.
Palabras claves: quemaduras; contractura; mano; niño; colgajos quirúrgicos; injerto cutáneo;
reconstrucción; cirugía plástica.
Abstract
Introduction. Post-burn contractures of the hand in children can progress during growth,
compromising range of motion, dexterity, pinch function, and activities of daily living. Following
scar release, coverage can be achieved via skin grafts or flaps; the choice depends on defect
depth, exposed structures, location, tissue availability, and functional goals. Objective. To
compare outcomes of flaps versus skin grafts in the reconstruction of post-burn hand contractures
in the pediatric population, focusing on function, recurrence/re-contracture, reoperation,
complications, and reconstructive burden. Methods. A systematic review updated in accordance
with PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Search strategies were structured for MEDLINE/PubMed, Scopus,
Embase, Web of Science, CENTRAL, and LILACS/BVS, supplemented by Google Scholar and
reference tracking. Synthesis relied on primary pediatric studies, comparative hand surgery
evidence including pediatric subgroups, and two contemporary systematic reviews to ensure
comprehensiveness. The updated focused search concluded on October 2, 2026. Critical
appraisal was conducted using JBI criteria, and overall certainty was assessed via the GRADE
approach. Due to clinical and methodological heterogeneity, a narrative synthesis was performed;
as an exploratory analysis, relative risk was calculated based on the single pediatric study
providing a clearly extractable direct comparison between flaps and grafts. Results. Direct
comparative evidence is limited and predominantly observational. In a prospective pediatric study
of 40 patients, 13 of 15 children treated with flaps achieved good or intermediate functional
outcomes, compared to 3 of 13 treated with grafts—an exploratory relative risk of 3.76 (95% CI:
1.36–10.33)—though this finding carries a significant risk of confounding by indication. In the
same study, grafts showed a higher proportion of poor functional outcomes. Full-thickness grafts
exhibit better resistance to contraction than split-thickness grafts but remain prone to recurrence
during growth. A pediatric cohort of 61 children reported in 2026 found that unplanned reoperation
occurred in 18/61 cases (29.5%) following full-thickness grafting for severe digital contractures;
defect size and the time elapsed between healing and the initial surgery were associated with the
need for reoperation. Hand reconstruction literature indicates that flaps provide vascularized
tissue and are particularly useful when tendons, joints, bone, or neurovascular bundles are
exposed, whereas grafts are suitable for well-vascularized beds and large, superficial defects.
Conclusions. Available evidence suggests a functional advantage for flaps in complex or deep
pediatric contractures but does not demonstrate universal superiority over grafts due to low
certainty and selection bias. When the wound bed allows for grafting, full-thickness grafts should
be preferred over split-thickness grafts to minimize secondary contraction. The decision must be
individualized based on depth, surface area, exposed structures, location, expected growth, and
the feasibility of prolonged rehabilitation.
Keywords: burns; contracture; hand; child; surgical flaps; skin graft; reconstruction; plastic
surgery.