Outcome of amputations in patients with major burns

Burn Injury Complications Impacting Rehabilitation

Successful post-burn rehabilitation requires an understanding of a wide range of complications to maximize functional recovery. This article reviews a range of potential challenges including burn scar contracture, amputation, peripheral nerve injury, heterotopic ossification, dysphagia, altered skin physiology, pain, and pruritis. The overall focus is to serve as a guide for post-injury therapy and rehabilitation spanning the phases of care and considering evidence-based approaches, prevention, and treatment with an ultimate goal of aiding in the functional recovery and long-term quality of life for burn survivors.

Amputations secondary to burn injuries in a resource-limited setting

INTRODUCTION

Amputations are a devastating consequence of severe burns. Amputations in a resource-limited setting are challenging as rehabilitation services available to these patients are inconsistent and often fragmented. Epileptic patients are a particularly vulnerable group when it comes to burn-injuries and often sustain deeper burns. The aim of this study is to analyse amputations secondary to burn injuries. We seek to identify vulnerable groups as a means for advocacy efforts to reduce the devastation of an amputation secondary to a burn injury. This paper highlights the burden of these injuries on the healthcare system and emphasizes the need for additional trained therapists for the rehabilitation of these patients.

METHODS

A retrospective database review was conducted. All burns admissions who underwent an amputation between 1 February 2016 and 31 January 2019 were considered.

RESULTS

A total of 1575 patients were admitted during the study period. Fifty-four percent of the admissions were paediatric patients. The amputation rate in the paediatric population was 1.5% (13/850) while in the adult population it was 4.8% (35/724) . Most paediatric amputations were as a result of electrical injuries. Flame burns were most likely to result in amputations in the adult group and convulsions were the leading circumstance leading to the injury. There was no significant difference in sepsis or length of stay between the groups. There were no mortalities in the paediatric group but there was an 11% mortality rate in the adult group.

CONCLUSION

The incidence of amputations in burns is low, however, it remains a devastating morbidity. Epileptics are a vulnerable group and these patients account for the most amputations among adult burns patients. Education interventions are needed regarding their diagnosis, administration of their medication and the importance of compliance. Advocacy efforts to ensure constant supply of anti-epileptic drugs at the clinics and other district level health facilities is also essential. Electrical injuries in children are not as common as hot water scalds, however, they are more likely to result in amputation. Communities need to be informed of the risk associated with illegal electrical connections and initiatives need to drive the safe provision of affordable electricity to these under-privileged, vulnerable communities.

Most prominent factors contributing to burn injury-related amputations: an analysis of a referral Burn Center

Amputations are un-common surgical procedures in patients with severe burn injuries. However, these patients often face extreme physical and psychological challenges that result in social stigmatization and inadequate rehabilitation facilities. A retrospective cohort study was designed for the patients admitted to the Burn Center of Adana City Training and Research Hospital (ACTRH). During the study period, a total of 2007 patients aged 0.5 to 92 years were hospitalized and treated at the burn center from January 2016 to June 2020. The incidence of amputation observed among inpatient burn injuries regardless of the etiology was 1.9%, and 87.2% were male. The univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to detect the most prominent factors contributing to burn injury-related amputations. The cause of burns appears to be one of the main factors in the past research, and in this context, the electrical burns stand out, likewise, the fire-flame-related burns, full-thickness burns, the existence of infection, male gender, patients aged within the 18 to 64 age group, and the burn extent within the total body surface area (TBSA) range of 10 to <50% were found to be the most leading factors of amputations among patients having severe burns. Although they are rare, amputations related to burns commonly cause a decrease in quality of life. Therefore, besides increasing occupational health and safety methods for these risk groups, especially for adults of working age; also, it is essential to increase the importance and awareness of the precautions to be taken in daily life.

Amputation Following Burn Injury

Amputation following burn injury is rare. Previous studies describe the risk of amputation after electrical burn injuries. Therefore, we describe the distribution of amputations and evaluate risk factors for amputation following burn injury at a large regional burn center. We conducted a retrospective analysis of patients ≥17 years admitted from January 2002 to December 2015. Patients who did and did not undergo an amputation procedure were compared. A multivariate logistic regression model was used to determine the risk factors for amputation. Amputations were further categorized by extremity location and type (major, minor) for comparison. Of the 8313 patients included for analysis, 1.4% had at least one amputation (n = 119). Amputees were older (46.7 ± 17.4 years) than nonamputees (42.6 ± 16.8 years; P = .009). The majority of amputees were white (47.9%) followed by black (39.5%) when compared with nonamputees (white: 57.1%, black: 27.3%; P = .012). The most common burn etiology for amputees was flame (41.2%) followed by electrical (23.5%) and other (21.9%). Black race (odds ratio [OR]: 2.29; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.22-4.30; P = .010), electric (OR: 13.54; 95% CI: 6.23-29.45; P < .001) and increased %TBSA (OR: 1.03; 95% CI: 1.02-1.05; P < .001) were associated with amputation. Burn etiology, the presence of preexisting comorbidities, black race, and increased %TBSA increase the odds of post burn injury. The role of race on the risk of amputation requires further study.

Lower amputation rate after fasciotomy by straight midline incision technique for a 22,900-V electrical injury to the upper extremities

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study is to compare the major amputation rate following two different fasciotomy techniques, conventional versus straight midline, in patients with high-voltage arc burn injury by electric currents of 22,900V to the upper extremities.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of 230 patients (270 burned upper limbs) who underwent fasciotomy after high-voltage electrical injuries between 1996 and 2007 was performed. The patients were divided into two groups according to the fasciotomy method used. From 1996 to 2002, 158 patients (184 limbs) underwent conventional fasciotomy by Green's volar-ulnar incision (conventional fasciotomy group). From 2003 to 2007, 72 patients (86 limbs) underwent fasciotomy using a straight midline curved incision (midline fasciotomy group). The patients were also divided into two groups based on whether the fasciotomy procedure was performed early or late. Patients who underwent fasciotomies <8h after injury were classified as early, while those who underwent it >8h after injury were classified as late. Major amputation rates were compared between two fasciotomy methods and analyzed following fasciotomy timing.

RESULTS

The midline fasciotomy group had a significantly lower major amputation rate (33.7%) than the conventional fasciotomy group (59.2%) (p<0.001). A subsequently decreased major amputation rate of 27.8% was observed in the early fasciotomy subgroup of the midline fasciotomy group (p=0.025).

CONCLUSION

Early fasciotomy remarkably reduced the major amputation rate after high-voltage arc injury; in the setting of minimized vascular exposure after fasciotomy, a midline straight incision could ensure that various types of reconstructive microsurgical procedures and primary skin closures can be used to save limbs.

Should early amputation impact initial fluid therapy algorithms in burns resuscitation? A retrospective analysis using 3D modelling

AIMS

While the epidemiology of amputations in patients with burns has been investigated previously, the effect of an amputation on burn size and its impact on fluid management have not been considered in the literature. Fluid resuscitation volumes are based on the percentage of the total body surface area (%TBSA) burned calculated during the primary survey. There is currently no consensus as to whether the fluid volumes should be recalculated after an amputation to compensate for the new body surface area. The aim of this study was to model the impact of an amputation on burn size and predicted fluid requirement.

METHODS

A retrospective search was performed of the database at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham Regional Burns Centre to identify all patients who had required an early amputation as a result of their burn injury. The search identified 10 patients over a 3-year period. Burn injuries were then mapped using 3D modelling software. BurnCase3D is a computer program that allows accurate plotting of burn injuries on a digital mannequin adjusted for height and weight. Theoretical fluid requirements were then calculated using the Parkland formula for the first 24 h, and Herndon formula for the second 24 h, taking into consideration the effects of the amputation on residual burn size.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrated that amputation can have an unpredictable effect on burn size that results in a significant deviation from predicted fluid resuscitation volumes. This discrepancy in fluid estimation may cause iatrogenic complications due to over-resuscitation in burn-injured casualties. Combining a more accurate estimation of postamputation burn size with goal-directed fluid therapy during the resuscitation phase should enable burn care teams to optimise patient outcomes.

Epidemiology of post-traumatic limb amputation: a National Trauma Databank analysis

The purpose of this study was to examine the epidemiology and outcomes of posttraumatic upper (UEA) and lower extremity amputations (LEA). The National Trauma Databank version 5 was used to identify all posttraumatic amputations. From 2000 to 2004 there were 8910 amputated patients (1.0% of all trauma patients). Of these, 6855 (76.9%) had digit and 2055 (23.1%) had limb amputation. Of those with limb amputation, 92.7 per cent (1904/2055) had a single limb amputation. LEA were more frequent than UEA among patients in the single limb amputation group (58.9% vs 41.1%). The mechanism of injury was blunt in 83 per cent; most commonly after motor vehicle collisions (51.0%), followed by machinery accidents (19.4%). Motor vehicle collision occupants had more UEA (54.5% vs 45.5%, P < 0.001), whereas motorcyclists (86.2% vs 13.8%, P < 0.001) and pedestrians (91.9% vs 8.1%, P < 0.001) had more LEA. Patients with LEA were more likely to require discharge to a skilled nursing facility; whereas those with UEA were more likely to be discharged home. Traumatic limb amputation is not uncommon after trauma in the civilian population and is associated with significant morbidity. Although single limb amputation did not impact mortality, the need for multiple limb amputation was an independent risk factor for death.

Burn rehabilitation and research: proceedings of a consensus summit

Burn rehabilitation is an essential component of successful patient care. In May 2008, a group of burn rehabilitation clinicians met to discuss the status and future needs of burn rehabilitation. Fifteen topic areas pertinent to clinical burn rehabilitation were addressed. Consensus positions and suggested future research directions regarding the physical aspects of burn rehabilitation are shared.

Rehabilitation methods for the burn injured individual

Physiatrists play a critical role in managing the medical and functional consequences of serious burn injuries. Goals of rehabilitation include wound healing, scar prevention, hypertrophic scarring suppression, full range of motion, strengthening, and independent mobility and activities of daily living. This article is an overview of burn rehabilitation principles and patient management. The ultimate rehabilitation goal is independence in all spheres of an individual's life. Achievement of independence depends on the commitment of the injured individual and the entire health care team.

Burns and Amputations: A 24-Year Experience

Although the management of the severely burnt extremity poses a significant therapeutic dilemma, burn injuries resulting in amputation are uncommon, In such cases, however, amputation can reduce the rate of mortality. In a total of 1858 patients from January 1980 to January 2004, there were 34 amputations in 27 patients. There were 23 men (age range, 14-64 years) and 4 women (age range, 34-85 years). The majority of amputations from burns caused by flame injury predominantly after motor vehicle accidents, with only eight cases resulting from high-voltage electrical injury. Nine patients required immediate amputations, with the rest being delayed. There were three deaths, with a survival rate of 89%. The majority of single lower-limb amputees and only one of seven bilateral amputees were independently mobile. The presence of pre-existing psychiatric disease significantly impaired rehabilitation. Free tissue transfer and the usage of bioengineered materials may help reduce the incidence of amputations.

A small contact burn injury requiring upper limb amputation

An elderly, demented, man was referred with a fairly small contact burn to the medial side of his left arm and forearm. The thermal injury had caused ischaemia of the forearm and hand. Thrombosis of the underlying brachial artery was suspected, and the only surgical option was amputation. This is an unusual but devastating complication of a contact burn. Those particularly at risk of this injury include the demented, elderly, epileptics and neuropathics, who may lie helpless or unaware of prolonged contact with warm objects.

Electric burns: high- and low-tension injuries

From January 1993 to December 1997, 179 patients with electrical injuries were admitted to our burn unit. There were 55 patients with high-tension injuries and 124 patients with low-tension injuries. A high incidence of amputation (42%) is one of the characteristic sequelae of high-tension injuries, but no patients in this group of burns died. Early and serial debridement of necrotic tissue is our treatment of preference. The patient needs extensive rehabilitation and psychiatric support.

Factors contributing to delayed extremity amputation in burn patients

BACKGROUND

Previous series of traumatic amputations have noted that delay in amputation results in prolonged hospital stay and delayed rehabilitation. A series of major extremity amputations after burn injury was analyzed to identify the frequency of delayed amputation and to identify factors resulting in the delay.

METHODS

Chart review of burn admissions between January of 1991 and December of 1995.

RESULTS

Twenty-eight patients underwent a total of 44 major extremity amputations. Thirty-five amputations in 22 patients were performed by postburn day 16 (mean 4.3). Nine amputations in six patients were delayed beyond postburn day 26 (mean, 48.3). Delayed amputations occurred in the subgroups of deep thermal burns with extensive necrosis and thermal burns complicated by infections. Early amputation was associated with a 13.6% mortality rate, delayed amputation with a 50% mortality rate.

CONCLUSION

There is a bimodal distribution of time to amputation determined by mechanism of injury, severity of burn, and infectious complications. Earlier identification of nonsalvageable limbs may decrease infectious complications and improve the chances of patient survival.

Four limb amputations due to electrical burn caused by TV antenna contact with overhead electric cables

A 22-year-old man who sustained four limb amputations due to an electrical burn caused by contact of a TV receiver antenna with overhead electric cables is presented. The indications for limb amputation and the necessary preventive measures for such injuries are discussed.