Occupational therapy for a child with aplasia cutis congenita with congenital Volkmann's ischemic contracture: A case report

Abstract

Aplasia cutis congenita is a rare malformation characterized by focal or extensive absence of epidermis, dermis, and occasionally subcutaneous tissue. Congenital Volkmann's ischemic contracture is a rare neonatal compartment syndrome caused by intrauterine ischemia and external compression. This is a challenging case for an occupational therapist (OT) focusing on the improvement of hand deformities and function in a child. The objective was to assess the effectiveness of occupational therapy intervention in correcting contracture and improving hand movement. A 4-day-old male child from the neonatal intensive care unit, presented with absence of skin over the right forearm with contracture of right hand, ulnar deviation, and skin discoloration over right hand. Patient was assessed for movement, strength, and level of contracture. Treatment was focused on correcting contracture, improving hand movements, and maintaining skin integrity with the help of splinting and therapeutic exercises. A significant improvement was seen in finger ranges, wrist ranges, hand movements, and skin color. To conclude, splinting techniques helped to stretch out contracture and correct the position of the hand and improvement in hand function.