Serial splintage: Preoperative treatment of upper limb contracture

Cutaneous functional units prediction in outcomes of early and intensive splinting following palmar burn injury in young children: a prospective study

BACKGROUND

Palmar burn injuries are common in young children and can result in contracture.

METHODS

A prospective longitudinal study describes outcomes of palm and digit extension splint use following burn in 75 children (83 hands) aged < 5 years and determines whether specific cutaneous functional units (CFUs) are associated with early signs of contracture (ESC). Outcomes were assessed up to 9-18 months following burn. Routine clinical data was collected at therapy reviews.

RESULTS

Children were splinted > 12 h/day for a mean of 158 days following burn. The mean time to splint cessation was 264 days following burn. Fourteen hands developed ESC (17%): 12 hands had full ROM restored following conservative management, 2 hands (3%) progressed to contracture. Hands that developed ESC had greater healing time (p = 0.002), greater number of CFUs affected (p < 0.001), and greater number of immediate first webspace and extended first webspace CFUs affected (p = 0.002, p < 0.001 respectively). ESC risk increases for each day to heal (odds ratio [OR] 1.1, 95% CI 1.0-1.2) and each CFU in extended first webspace (OR 2.8, 95% CI 1.5-5.0).

CONCLUSION

Early and intensive splinting following palmar burn results in excellent ROM. Burns involving more CFUs or the first webspace are associated with ESC.

Rehabilitation interventions after hand burn injury in adults: A systematic review

The aim of this review was to summarise the current evidence regarding the effectiveness of rehabilitation interventions in improving hand function, range of motion (ROM), hand strength, scar outcome, return to work, level of impairment/disability, level of burn knowledge and decreasing edema following hand burns in adult burn survivors. This review provides evidence-based support for the use of rehabilitation interventions for burn rehabilitation professionals. The following data sources were searched: MEDLINE, EMBASE and CINAHL from their inception up to February 2021, reference lists from all the included full-text articles were screened for additional relevant publications and monthly Google Scholar searches until December 23rd 2021 to make sure all new pertinent published articles after February 2021 would be included. Thirty-five studies were included in this review including 14 RCTs. Most of the included studies were Level 4 (46%; 16/35) and Level 2 (40%; 14/35) evidence. Only four studies were classified as Level 3 (14%; 5/35) evidence and none were considered Level 1. Most studies received a score of 5-9 (54%; 19/35) (Moderate quality). Fourteen studies received a score of ≥ 10 (40%; 14/35) (High quality) and only 2 studies received a score of< 5 (6%; 2/35) (Low quality). Articles were categorized according to the primary outcome targeted by the intervention. Clinical recommendations on higher-level evidence interventions are presented. This review supports the clinical practice of the following interventions: 1) The use of adhesive compression wraps for patients who have increased edema to increase hand function and ROM; 2) The use of compression (adhesive compressive wrap, compression bandage or intermittent compression pump) to decrease hand edema following burn injury; 3) Participating in general rehabilitation to increase hand function and patient perceived level of disability; 4) The use of an orthosis to increase ROM and a dynamic MCP orthosis to increase hand function; 5) If available, incorporate the use of VR based rehabilitation to increase hand function and hand strength; 6) The use of paraffin to increase hand PROM; 7) The use of gels to reduce hand scar thickness; 8) The use of an education component in rehabilitation to increase the level of burn knowledge. The limitations of this study are also discussed. Further research with robust methodology is needed to investigate the potential benefits of treatment interventions included in this review.

Systematic Review and Expert Consensus on the Use of Orthoses (Splints and Casts) with Adults and Children after Burn Injury to Determine Practice Guidelines

The objective of this review was to systematically evaluate the available literature addressing the use of orthoses (splints and casts) with adult and pediatric burn survivors and determine whether practice guidelines could be proposed. This review provides evidence-based recommendations specifically for rehabilitation professionals who are responsible for burn survivor rehabilitation. A summary recommendation was made after the literature was retrieved using a systematic review and critical appraisal by multiple authors. The level of evidence of the literature was determined in accordance with the Oxford Centre for Evidence-based Medicine criteria. Due to the low level of evidence in the available literature, only one practice guideline could be recommended: orthotic use should be considered as a treatment choice for improving range of motion or reducing contracture in adults who have sustained a burn injury. To address the rehabilitation-specific gaps found in the literature regarding orthotic use in burn rehabilitation and provide guidance to clinicians, a formal expert consensus exercise was conducted as a final step to the project. The resultant manuscript provides a summary of the literature regarding orthotic use with burn patients, one practice guideline, proposed orthotic terminology and additional practice recommendations based on expert opinion. The limitations in the current literature are also discussed, and suggestions are made for future studies in the area of orthotic use after burn injury.

Botulinum Toxin A for Improving Lack of Ankle Dorsiflexion Range of Motion After Major Burns-A Retrospective Chart Review

OBJECTIVE

To review the effectiveness of botulinum toxin A (BTX-A) for treating the loss of maximum ankle dorsiflexion range of motion after burn injury.

DESIGN

Retrospective chart review.

SETTING

Large urban burn center.

PARTICIPANTS

Patients (3-51 y) with major burn injury and loss of ankle dorsiflexion range while hospitalized (N=5).

INTERVENTION

BTX-A treatment in addition to standard care.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Maximum ankle dorsiflexion range of motion at time of treatment, 1 month and 3 months posttreatment.

RESULTS

Patients' total burn area ranged from 18% to 95%, and time from injury to BTX-A injection (80-125 units) was 19-93 days. Ankle range at the time of injection was -10 to -50 degrees, and all patients had improved ankle range at 1 month postinjection (-30 to +10 degrees). At 3 months postinjection, 3 participants had neutral ranges of motion that were relatively improved compared to preinjection ranges. Patients with additional complications or severe injury showed regression toward preinjection maximum ankle dorsiflexion range of motion.

CONCLUSION

This retrospective study examines BTX-A as a potential tool for treating ankle plantar flexion contractures post major burn injury after failed conservative treatment. Initial review shows some patients may benefit from these injections, but more systematically designed studies are required to assess effectiveness. If effective, further investigation will be needed to validate and standardize treatment protocols, establish dosing, and assess long-term effectiveness in those with burn injury or severe complications.

The scourge of burn contractures: Who will bell the cat?

INTRODUCTION

Majority of burn injuries occur in developing world. There have been many advances in burn care management. But this advance comes at a price of ever increasing burn sequel of scarring. Burn scar contractures, in spite of being preventable, continue to be a common reality in our world. This paper aims to evaluate the lacunae in burn care leading to formation of contractures, to evaluate common sites of contractures, practice of advising splintage and anti-deformity positioning.

PROCEDURE

This retrospective observational study was conducted over a period of six years (January 2010-December 2015) at a tertiary Burn unit in Mumbai (India). The records of burn contracture patients were scrutinized to obtain the data regarding patient's socio-demographic profile, details of burn injury, splinting and exercises advised and details of surgeries required. Data was tabulated and analysed.

RESULTS

There was a significantly lower prevalence of advice regarding splinting, mobilization exercises and pressure garments. The prevalence of early surgery was also found to be low.

CONCLUSIONS

Attempt has been made to identify the factors affecting the prevalence of burn scar contractures. Authors recommend that efforts be made for improving the knowledge of the treating doctors. Also, efforts should be made to increase awareness of burn prevention and emergent management.