The thirty degree transposition flap

Abstract

The rhomboid and other 60 degrees transposition flaps have theoretical and practical disadvantages for many applications. A better flap for these is one having an angulation of 30 degrees at its distal end. When this 30 degrees flap is combined with the M-plasty, a versatile and cosmetically favorable repair is provided for many surface defects. In fact, over the years, it has become our most useful method of closure with flaps. Fundamentally, it allows sharing of tensions of closure better than does the rhomboid flap, produces less level disparities or protrusions than does any 60 degrees flap, and its resulting scar length is only fractionally longer than that of the rhomboid flap. Rhomboid and other 60 degrees angle flaps have been exceedingly valuable tools to many surgeons; the 30 degrees flap combined with M-plasty should be significantly more useful.