Inventory of potential reconstructive needs in patients with post-burn contractures

Abstract

Background: The inventory of potential reconstructive needs records the specific reconstructive needs of the patient with burns and allows systematic planning for future reconstruction and rehabilitation. It also assists patients to evaluate and prioritize reconstructive options with the guidance of the plastic surgeon, as well as facilitating the adoption of realistic expectations on the part of the patient and family. Materials and Method: A survey of the potential reconstructive needs was carried out using the inventory of reconstructive needs form. The form is applicable to all body regions and is divided into three sections. Each section is subdivided into anatomic units: head and neck (anatomic units 1-5); upper extremity (anatomic units 6-9); and trunk and lower extremity (anatomic units 10-13). The results are presented in tabular form and analyzed using simple frequency distribution. Results: The anatomic region with the highest number of reconstructive needs was the head and neck in adults 25 (42%).The trunk and lower extremity accounted for the least reconstructive needs in adults 12 (20%). When the reconstructive needs were stratified by anatomic units in the head and neck, the upper eyelids 8 (32%) and the neck 6 (24%) had the highest frequency of reconstructive needs in adults. The upper extremity had the highest reconstructive needs in children 51 (52%). The upper eyelid, mouth and neck accounted for 13 (76%) of the reconstructive needs in children. Seventy-eight (50%) of the 157 patients had at least two contractures. Conclusion: There were more reconstructive needs in children than adults. The anatomic region with the highest number of reconstructive needs was the head and neck in adults and the upper extremity in children. This study underscores the importance of positioning and intensive therapy intervention in the prevention of post-burn contractures.