A surgeon plans a Z-plasty adjacent to a contracted scar crossing the axillary crease. What is the primary objective of performing a Z-plasty?
- A To lengthen the scar along its axis and reorient it so that tension runs parallel to relaxed skin tension lines ✓
- B To excise the scar completely and reduce its width by half
- C To convert a hypertrophic scar into a flat mature scar
- D To provide vascularized tissue cover for an exposed underlying structure
Correct answer: A. To lengthen the scar along its axis and reorient it so that tension runs parallel to relaxed skin tension lines
Explanation
B Z-plasty uses two transposition flaps created by three incisions forming a Z shape. When transposed, it lengthens tissue along the direction of the original scar and redirects the resulting scar across relaxed skin tension lines, releasing contractures. It does not remove scar tissue, does not alter the biological behavior of a hypertrophic scar, and provides no new vascularized cover.
Reference: Sabiston Textbook of Surgery, 21st ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.