Lipofilling as an Adjuvant Therapy for Postburn Grafted Hand: Functional and Aesthetic Outcome.

Abstract

Background : Background: Fat transfer is widely used as an adjuvant therapy to achieve the deficiencies faced minor burning regeneration. Aim of the study: The study aimed to represent our experience with autologous fat grafting in improving hand function and cosmesis in cases that undergo skin grafts after burns to the hand dorsum. Patient and methods: A case series study where patients aged 16-60 with post-burn grafted hand contractures, evaluating functional and aesthetic outcomes after a single session of lipofilling; A case series study carried out from May 2019 to August 2020 on twenty patients with post-burn grafted hand contractures. All patients underwent autologous fat transfer to their burnt grafted hands. Hand function and cosmesis and Patients’ contentment were evaluated utilizing the Patient Observer Scar Assessment Scale. Results: Follow after lipofilling showed general improvement of the burnt hand. Regarding the assessment of hand function, there was a statistical development throughout the total active movement. Regarding the assessment of patient satisfaction, there were significant improvements in pain, itching, scar color, volume, stiffness, skin softening (P-value< 0.001 for all). Regarding the assessment of doctor opinion, vascularity, pigmentation, pliability, and pain relief were significantly improved (P-value<0.001) Conclusion: Lipofilling is an effective and safe adjuvant therapy to improve the hand's post-burn contractures and aesthetic appearance.