Surgical Techniques for the Repair of Webbed Neck: A Scoping Review

Webbed neck is a rare condition characterized by bilateral subcutaneous bands, which extend from approximately the mastoid to the acromion. Given its rarity, the literature lacks a review of the techniques used in the repair of this condition. We performed a scoping review to define and summarize the surgical techniques been used in the treatment of webbed neck, with the goal of better equipping the surgeons’ armamentarium. Two databases, PubMed and Scopus, were searched from inception through December 27, 2021. Studies were considered for inclusion if they (1) described the webbed neck condition and (2) reported results of surgical correction of this condition. Surgical outcomes and follow-up durations were reported as available. Twenty-two manuscripts were analyzed and included data on 60 patients. The most common syndrome associated with webbed neck was Turner syndrome (48 patients). The most frequently documented procedure technique was a Z-Plasty (38 patients). Other procedures described included: butterfly correction, V-Y Plasty, posterior cervical lift, skin excision, tissue expansion plus skin excision, T to M rearrangement, and subcutaneous fascial excision. Documented complications included hypertrophy of procedure scars or webbed neck recurrence. In summary, we present the first full literature review of the surgical techniques used in the repair of webbed neck. When selecting the technique for repair of the webbed neck, function and cosmesis are important considerations. Future studies should collect standardized outcomes data to appropriately assess and compare the described procedures.