A surgeon plans a Z-plasty to revise a contracted scar crossing a flexion crease. Using standard design with flaps raised at 60 degrees, what is the expected gain in length along the axis of the original scar?

• A Approximately 25 percent
• B Approximately 75 percent ✓
• C Approximately 50 percent
• D Approximately 100 percent

Explanation

In Z-plasty, the theoretical lengthening depends on the flap angle: 30 degrees gives about 25 percent gain, 45 degrees about 50 percent, and 60 degrees about 75 percent. The 60 degree design is the classic workhorse because it balances length gain against tension and flap tip viability. Angles beyond 60 degrees increase theoretical gain but raise the risk of flap tip necrosis and difficult transposition.

Reference: Bailey and Love's Short Practice of Surgery, 27th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.