Specifically designed external fixators in treatment of complex postburn hand contractures

Abstract

External fixators designed specifically for severe, late postburn contractures of hand and wrist have been used in five patients between 1993 and 1997 with follow up for an average of 30.2 months. The mean age of patients at operation was 16.6 years ranging from 14 to 20 years. They had a number of failed operations. There were fixed joint contractures beside severe soft tissue contractures. There was total loss of hand functions in four patients. After reconstructive operations, at least one hand function was attained. We have found the external fixator method to be helpful in treating severe, fixed and complex postburn contractures of hand where previous surgery had failed. This study indicates the uses and benefits of external fixators as a soft tissue lengthener when correcting progressively complex burn contractures of hand.