Postburn Contractures Research Articles

"Reconstruction of extensive postburn scar deformities and contractures of the neck using expanded and nonexpanded tissue transfer," Moroz et al.

"Reconstruction of extensive postburn scar deformities and contractures of the neck using expanded and nonexpanded tissue transfer," Moroz et al.

A New Concept for the Treatment of Postburn Contracture of the Elbow

A New Concept for the Treatment of Postburn Contracture of the Elbow

Rice cooker steam hand burn in the pediatric patient.

Burn injuries often lead to significant cosmetic and functional deformity. In the Orient, household electric rice cookers have caused a significant number of steam burns to infant hands. The clinical course and treatment outcome of these burns have been studied retrospectively in a review of the medical records of 79 pediatric patients treated for acute hand steam burns and of 38 other patients who underwent correction for postburn contracture. Electric rice cookers caused all of the acute pediatric steam burns treated at our institute. Of the 81 hands treated between 1995 and 1998, 38.3 percent healed with conservative treatment and 61.7 percent required skin grafting. The volar aspects of the index and middle fingers were those most frequently involved. Eighteen of 36 hands (50 percent) grafted with split-thickness skin developed late contractures requiring additional procedures. Among the 38 patients who underwent correction for postburn deformity, initial treatment was split-thickness grafting for 60.5 percent, full-thickness skin grafting for 7.9 percent, and spontaneous healing for 31.6 percent. Awareness among medical personnel and continued public education should be promoted to help prevent this unique type of pediatric steam burn from occurring.

Split-Thickness Skin Graft Coverage following Release of Postburn First Web Space Adduction Contracture

Twelve patients from 11 to 57 years of age who underwent surgical release of postburn first web space thumb adduction-pronation contracture had the resulting defect resurfaced successfully with a medium-thickness, unmeshed, split-thickness skin graft (STSG). This procedure provided satisfactory, durable cover and maintained the gain in thumb abduction. All hands had combined dorsal and volar scarring that required incision. If indicated, partial division of the midbelly of the distal border of the adductor and distal midborder of the first dorsal interosseous was performed to increase both radial and palmar thumb abduction. Immediate or delayed skin grafting, the latter with a dynamic grafting splint, was carried out. Fifteen hands (from 12 patients) were assessed one year or more after surgical release. The mean postoperative radial abduction angle measured on photographs between the first metacarpal shaft and index proximal phalanx was 42°±13°, which was greater than the preoperative mean of 23°±12° (P=0.001) but less than the mean of 57°±12° for 20 nonburned control subjects (P=0.002). The mean postoperative palmar abduction angle measured between the first metacarpal and the proximal phalanx of the index finger was 54°±19°, which was greater than the preoperative mean of 18°±21° (P<0.001). An STSG was simple and quick to harvest for the burned hand at or near full growth size, and was successful in maintaining the increased abduction gained in the first web space for most of the patients who were treated.

The use of skin grafts in postburn contracture release: a 10-year review.

Postburn scarring and contracture affecting function remain the most frustrating late complications of burn injury. Various techniques are used to release contractures; the choice depends on their location and/or the availability of unaffected skin adjacent to the contracture or elsewhere. A retrospective review was carried out of the case notes of patients who had skin grafting for the release of postburn contracture at the Burns Unit, City Hospital, Nottingham between May of 1984 and August of 1994 to evaluate the experience over this period. Information was obtained about the burn injury, contracture site, interval between burn and release of contracture, indication, age at first release, intervals between releases, operative details (donor and graft sites), complications and nonoperative treatment, and follow-up to the end of the study period. A total of 129 patients underwent skin grafting for release of contractures as opposed to any other method of correction. Full-thickness skin grafts were used in 81 patients (63 percent) and split-thickness skin grafts in 26 (20 percent). Twenty-two patients (17 percent) had both types used on different occasions. Flame burns (41 percent) were the most common causes, followed by scalds (38 percent). Two hundred thirty-nine sites of contracture were released, with the axilla (59) and the hand/wrist (59) being the most common sites involved, followed by the head/neck region (42). It was found that for the same site, release with split-thickness skin grafts was associated with more rereleases of the contracture than with full-thickness skin grafts. Also, the interval between the initial release and first rerelease was shorter than with full-thickness skin grafts (p < 0.048). It was also noted that children required more procedures during growth spurts, reflecting the differential effect of the growth of normal skin and contracture tissue. Patients reported more satisfaction with texture and color match with the full-thickness skin grafts. There was comparable donor-site and graft morbidity with both graft types. The use of skin grafts is simple, reliable, and safe. Whenever possible, the authors recommend the use of full-thickness skin grafts in preference to split-thickness skin grafts in postburn contracture release.

The Use of Skin Grafts in Postburn Contracture Release: A 10-Year Review

Postburn scarring and contracture affecting function remain the most frustrating late complications of burn injury. Various techniques are used to release contractures; the choice depends on their location and/or the availability of unaffected skin adjacent to the contracture or elsewhere. A retrospective review was carried out of the case notes of patients who had skin grafting for the release of postburn contracture at the Burns Unit, City Hospital, Nottingham between May of 1984 and August of 1994 to evaluate the experience over this period. Information was obtained about the burn injury, contracture site, interval between burn and release of contracture, indication, age at first release, intervals between releases, operative details (donor and graft sites), complications and nonoperative treatment, and follow-up to the end of the study period. A total of 129 patients underwent skin grafting for release of contractures as opposed to any other method of correction. Full-thickness skin grafts were used in 81 patients (63 percent) and split-thickness skin grafts in 26 (20 percent). Twenty-two patients (17 percent) had both types used on different occasions. Flame burns (41 percent) were the most common causes, followed by scalds (38 percent). Two hundred thirty-nine sites of contracture were released, with the axilla (59) and the hand/wrist (59) being the most common sites involved, followed by the head/neck region (42). It was found that for the same site, release with splitthickness skin grafts was associated with more rereleases of the contracture than with full-thickness skin grafts. Also, the interval between the initial release and first rerelease was shorter than with full-thickness skin grafts (p < 0.048). It was also noted that children required more procedures during growth spurts, reflecting the differential effect of the growth of normal skin and contracture tissue. Patients reported more satisfaction with texture and color match with the full-thickness skin grafts. There was comparable donor-site and graft morbidity with both graft types. The use of skin grafts is simple, reliable, and safe. Whenever possible, the authors recommend the use of full-thickness skin grafts in preference to split-thickness skin grafts in postburn contracture release. (Plast. Reconstr. Surg. 103: 1198, 1999.)

Pedicled free flap for burn scar contracture of a hand

The treatment of a severe post-burn contracture of the left hand is presented. A free scapular flap was transplanted to the inguinal area and then used to release the contracture in the manner of a pedicled groin flap. The advantages of this method are that it can be utilized regardless of the condition of the recipient site, and the major vessels of the hand remain intact.

Reconstruction of burn deformity using artificial dermis combined with thin split-skin grafting

Twelve patients with post-burn contracture were treated using artificial dermis combined with thin split-skin grafting during the period January 1994 to April 1996. Bilayer artificial dermis was grafted onto full thickness open wounds of the skin, after excision of scar contracture tissue. About 3 weeks later, the silicone layer was removed and thin split-skin, 8 1000 in. thick, was grafted onto the newly synthesized dermis-like tissue in the wound bed. Scalp was chosen as the donor site in 11 of the 12 cases. Artificial dermis grafting was undertaken to ensure that morbidity at the donor site could be reduced as much as possible in the treatment of burn deformity. The skin grafts took completely in all cases. Postoperative management was performed in accordance with conventional skin grafting. Postoperative contraction or hypertrophic scar was observed in three cases, but a soft, favorable quality was obtained in the other nine cases. Treatment of burn deformity with artificial dermis may be beneficial in selected cases.

Surgical release for intubation purposes in postburn contractures of the neck

Postburn contractures of the neck can cause difficult endotracheal intubation when cervical hyperextension and lifting of the mandible are impaired. Alternative techniques to direct laryngoscopy may be hampered by the presence of rigid scar tissue which obscures the mandibular and laryngeal anatomy, or by the presence of microstomia following retraction of scar tissue in facial burns. This report describes our experience with a safe and quick surgical neck release to facilitate endotracheal intubation in such cases. Following release, intubation was established at the first attempt in all cases. Patients who have suffered flame burns to the thorax with an ascending involvement of the neck and mandibular region are particularly prone to develop extreme contractures. Problems with intubation should be anticipated in patients with healed burns of the neck, and equipment for aiding intubation should be on hand. Furthermore, the surgeon must be available during the induction of anaesthesia to perform an emergency neck release if necessary.

Use of seven-flap plasty for the treatment of axillary and groin postburn contractures

Axillary and groin contracture with limitation of abduction of the arm and leg are one of the most common complications of burns. In this paper we report the technique of using seven-flap plasty for treating axillary and groin scar contractures. The advantages of using this technique are that it does not need prolonged splinting and intense and painful physical therapy.

Management of postburn contracture of the neck

Five hundred and sixty-two patients with postburn contractures were treated by a plastic surgeon in the Central Hospital of the capital city, Lusaka. There were 37 patients with neck contractures of whom 18 were classified as major, all but two were burned by fire and two-thirds were female. Release of contracture and excision of scar tissue followed by surface cover with skin grafting was the mainstay of treatment and was carried out in 31 of 37 patients. Careful perioperative management and the basics of plastic surgery such as skin grafting are within the competence of many general surgeons. Because burn contractures are common in the developing world, it is recommended that plastic surgery be included in the training of general surgeons and that selected cases be managed by them. The more complex cases should be referred to a plastic surgery centre.

The seven flap-plasty

A method of releasing skin contracture crossing a joint by seven flap-plasty is presented. The seven flap-plasty consists of two half Z-plasties and one W-M plasty. We have obtained satisfactory results in the repair of postburn contractures at elbow, axilla, fingers and interdigital webs using the technique.

The use of scapular skin island flaps in the treatment of axillary postburn scar contractures

The scapular island flap easily covers the anterior and posterior aspects of the axilla, providing a smooth skin surface with good underlying subcutaneous fatty tissue. Its elastic properties are well adapted to the dynamic requirements of the shoulder joint. Performed in 20 patients for treatment of axillary postburn contractures, this flap led to a convincing improvement of the shoulder range of motion and satisfying aesthetic results.

Slow, Gradual External Fixation Distraction for Treatment of Postburn Knee Flexion Contracture

Although surgical release and reconstruction have been used extensively to treat severe postburn knee flexion contractures, the degree of correction is sometimes unsatisfactory, and the procedure is not exempt from significant complications. Based on the principle of slow, gradual external fixation distraction, we have designed a triangular articulated frame to be mounted with the ASIF-BM fixator to deal with joint flexion contractures. One successfully treated patient is reported. This is a percutaneous surgery, with very mild aggression to the patient and very low iatrogenic risks. The technique is easy, the degree of correction may be almost complete, and the hospital stay is very short because it is an ambulatory surgery.

Trapezius Myocuteneous Extended As Fasciocutaneous Flap For Neck Contracture

AbstractTen cases of severe post burn contracture are treated with extended horizontal trapezous myocutaneous flap during a period of two years, (1989 to 1991) at I.P.G.M.E. &amp; R., Calcutta. This flap is designed and used, leaving submental area for cover by split skin graft for better asthetic appeal. Results, of this improvisation are superior and give a near normal neck chin contour.

The Basic Types of Scar Contractures after Burns and Methods of Eliminating Them with Trapezeplasty Flaps

The study of postburn scar contractures in various locations has revealed four contracture variables: edge, medial, strip, and total. Following the surgical treatment of more than 2000 patients with such contractures, a trapezeplasty flap method has been worked out and applied since 1979. This method allows one to make up for deficient scar tissue of the same shape. Flaps are cut out of sheets of a fold with the maximum use of undamaged skin in adjacent sections. They move toward each other and merge with adjacent sides into a state of tension. This surgery is based on use of the reserve on the width of the surface of a fold and the high tension of skin with pressure on underlying tissue. The extended skin grows quickly, the tension disappears, and the scars dissolve. For each contracture type, there are trapeze-flap variables either in pure form or in combination with the transposition of split-thickness skin with a flap to create a flexible joint zone. The trapezeplasty flap method can be used to treat all edge, medial, strip, and total contractures of joints whose natural position is adduction, the shoulder joint, and contractures between fingers. Skin-fat or skin-fascia trapeze flaps prevent the relapse of contracture and make the weakened scars softer, which, as a rule, ensures a good functional and aesthetic result.

Tissue Expansion in Reconstruction of Postburn Contracture of the First Web Space of the Hand

The successful release of severe contracture of the first web space depends on addition of a sufficient amount of skin. Because local skin is limited, skin grafts tend to contract, and free and pedicle flaps are bulky, further procedures are often obligatory. Expansion of the tissues of the dorsum of the hand offers an effective and relatively simple approach to generate the excess skin needed. We present a patient in whom an inflatable silicone implant was used to correct recurrent first web space contracture after burns.

Postburn contracture of the neck - our experience with a new dynamic extension splint

Twenty-eight examples of postburn contracture of the neck managed during the last 5 years gave us a better understanding of the problems of anaesthesia, contracture release, skin grafting, splintage and maintenance of the fully released state. The severe contracture should be incised before incubation under a local anaesthetic agent. The release should include the adjoining contractures of mandibular and pectoral regions lest the skin graft is pulled by the existing contracture. Haemostasis should be meticulously secured to avoid graft loss. Splintage should be a static splint for 4–6 weeks followed by a dynamic splint until the applied graft becomes soft, supple and wrinkle free. Ideally, however, contractures should be prevented by nursing the patient with a neck extension in the acute phase and wearing a cervical collar during the subacute phase of wound healing.

Medial fasciocutaneous flap of thigh for release of post-burn groin contractures

Post-burn groin contractures, though uncommon, cause some patients distressing symptoms which are difficult to treat. Recurrence of contracture and symptoms is common and multiple operations are often required to control symptoms. We describe the use of the medial thigh fasciocutaneous flap for release of these contractures. Six flaps have been raised in four patients and symptomatic relief has been excellent in three. There have been no contracture recurrences.

Reconstruction of the External Genitals and Repair of Skin Defects of the Perineal Region Using Three Types of Lateral Groin Flap

Three types of lateral groin flap have been applied to reconstruct the external genitals and to repair skin defects in the perineal region. A single lateral groin flap was used to construct a vagina for 2 patients who had congenital absence of vagina. A composite flap containing iliac crest bone was applied to reconstruct the penis in 11 patients: 8 suffered traumatic amputation and 3 had congenital micropenis. A coaxial pedicle flap of the lateral groin and abdominal area was used to repair skin defects of the penis and scrotum after resection of the elephantiasis caused by recurrent erysipelas in 2 patients, and to relieve postburn scar contracture in the perineal region in another. Using this operative technique, 14 flaps survived completely with satisfactory results; 70% of one composite flap was lost as a result of hematoma. In the single-flap group, the distal portion (3 x 5 cm) of one flap necrosed and was resected and resurfaced with a free skin graft; the final result was good.