Improved surgical care of posterior burns and donor sites using air-fluidized support.

Abstract

This study confirms and extends previous observations on the use of air-fluidized support systems as an adjunct to burn care. Previous studies showed that because of the effects of decreased pressure, reduction of shearing forces, and reduction of moisture, airfluidized support was associated with a statistically significant increase in survivability of patients with posterior burns and inhalation injury. This study addresses the need for pressure- and moisture-reduced support of posterior donor and recipient sites. The air-fluidized support system eliminates the need for prone positioning, and an additional 18% to 25% BSA is available for donor site use without fear of complications. Superior results of split-thickness skin grafting to posterior surfaces, with the patient in the supine position, are also obtained.