Management of the Acutely Burned Hand

Long-Term Functional Outcomes Following Enzymatic Debridement of Deep Hand Burns Using Nexobrid®: A Retrospective Analysis

Background: For years, surgical debridement with autografting has been considered the standard of care in the treatment of severe burns of the hand. However, in recent years, enzymatic debridement has increasingly been reported as a good alternative, especially for burns of the hand, as it selectively preserves viable tissue. In this study, we aim to evaluate the long-term function of the hand after enzymatic debridement in deep dermal burns. Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted as well as measurements of subjective and objective outcome measures through physical examination and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH), Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS), and Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS) scores. Results: A total of 32 enzymatically debrided hands of 24 patients were included with a mean age of 42.4 ± 16.8 years and a mean follow-up of 31 months. Postoperatively, 19 of these could be managed conservatively using skin substitutes such as "Suprathel", 13 had to undergo subsequent autografting. The mean DASH score for the entire study population was eight with a mean value of four in the conservatively managed group and fourteen in the autografted group. The mean Patient, Observer POSAS, and VSS values were nineteen, thirteen, and two. A total of 30 cases showed an effortless complete fist closure, and, also in 30 cases, patients attested to be satisfied with the esthetic appearance of the hand on being asked. Conclusions: The descriptive analysis of these results in our study population suggests that the enzymatic debridement of deep burns of the hand, especially combined with subsequent conservative management with skin substitutes, was associated with low long-term hand disability scores at a follow-up of two years.

Acute and Reconstructive Burn Care of the Hand

The hand is commonly affected in thermal injuries. Hand burns account for 39% of all burns and they are involved in 34% of instances when the total body surface area of a burn exceeds 15%. Inadequate or inappropriate treatment could result in significant morbidity. The ultimate integration of a burn patient into the society largely depends on the functionality of the hands. Hence, it is important to reduce complications by providing good care during the acute stage.

Rehabilitation Management of the Burned Hand

Burns to the hands constitute a small total surface area burn, but can result in significant functional challenges and disability. The complexity of multiple anatomical structures and intricate interplay of bones, muscles, and connective tissues requires specialized knowledge of how burns of the hand can affect function and independence. This article will provide an evidence-based overview of rehabilitation of the burned hand across the burn care continuum including a focus on evaluation, pain management, treatment interventions, and outcome assessment. Additionally, various deficits that can put the hand at significant risk for loss of function will be discussed. Finally, the authors will address the special considerations and treatment caveats of addressing the pediatric hand burn.

Unforeseen Heat: An Accidental Superficial Partial-Thickness Hand Burn Utilizing a New Convection Oven

Thermal burns remain a significant public health concern, and it is crucial to understand the potential risks associated with everyday activities involving heated objects or surfaces. It has been found that males have a higher susceptibility to hand burns, but when it comes to burns caused by hot liquids, females tend to be more frequently affected. Cooking remains the predominant activity associated with a higher incidence of accidental hand burns. Prompt medical attention and appropriate management are essential in mitigating the severity of burn injuries. This case report presents a previously healthy 55-year-old female that sustained a superficial partial-thickness burn to the dorsal aspect of her right hand while preparing a meal in her kitchen with her brand-new convection oven. This was her first time using a convection oven, unaware of the fans and rapidly circulating hot air within the oven. We discuss the need for a comprehensive approach to wound care, including topical antimicrobial agents, dressings, pain management, and monitoring for potential complications to achieve favorable outcomes and minimize long-term sequelae. Prevention remains the cornerstone in reducing burn injuries. Awareness campaigns, safety guidelines, and educational initiatives aimed at promoting responsible handling of hot objects should be implemented. Simple preventive measures, such as using appropriate protective equipment such as oven mitts, being mindful of oven temperatures, and maintaining a safe distance from heated surfaces, can significantly reduce the risk of household thermal burns.

Clinical study of early rehabilitation training combined with negative pressure wound therapy for the treatment of deep partial-thickness hand burns

Objective

This study aims to explore the clinical effect of early rehabilitation training combined with negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) for treating deep partial-thickness hand burns.

Methods

Twenty patients with deep partial-thickness hand burns were randomly divided into an experimental group (n = 10) and a control group (n = 10). In the experimental group, early rehabilitation training combined with NPWT was performed, including the proper sealing of the negative pressure device, intraoperative plastic brace, early postoperative exercise therapy during negative pressure treatment, and intraoperative and postoperative body positioning. Routine NPWT was conducted in the control group. Both groups received 4 weeks of rehabilitation after wounds healed by NPWT with or without skin grafts. Hand function was evaluated after wound healing and 4 weeks after rehabilitation, including hand joint total active motion (TAM) and the brief Michigan Hand Questionnaire (bMHQ).

Results

Twenty patients were involved in this study, including 16 men and 4 women, aged 18-70 years, and the hand burn area ranged from 0.5% to 2% of the total body surface area (TBSA). There was no significant difference in TAM and bMHQ scores between the two groups after negative pressure removal. After 4 weeks of rehabilitation training, the TAM scores and bMHQ scores were significantly improved in both groups (p < 0.05); among them, those of the experimental group were both significantly better than those of the control group (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

The application of early rehabilitation training combined with NPWT to treat deep partial-thickness hand burns can effectively improve hand function.

Surgical Repair of the Acute Burn Wound: Who, When, What Techniques? What Is the Future?

Modern burns surgery is multidisciplinary, multimodal and includes a dermal preservation approach. The management of the surgical wound starts in the pre-hospital environment with stabilization and assessment of the burn injured patient according to protocols of trauma resuscitation with special emphasis in the assessment of the burn depth and surface area. A large burn requires fluid resuscitation and physiological support, including counterbalancing hyper metabolism, fighting infection and starting a long burns intensive care journey. A deep burn may impose the need for surgical debridement and cover through a staged approach of excision of devitalized tissue depending on its extension and patient circumstances. These methodologies warrant patients survivability and require professionals integrated in a multidisciplinary team sharing decisions and directing management. Burns Multimodality involves multiple techniques used according to patient's needs, wound environment, operators experience and available resources. Traditional practices used together with new techniques may reduce morbidity and operative time but also challenge stablished practice. The concept of using the best teams with the best techniques combines with the need for selective and judicious surgery that preserves tissue architecture and spares as much as possible dermal component, therefore reducing the possibility of functional impairment and cosmetic embarrassment caused by pathological scars. Who is best placed to perform these tasks, the appropriate or best timing of surgery and the different practices used to achieve best results will be discussed, together with a reflection on what the future holds for these fundamental steps in the management of the burn injured patient turning into a functional burn survivor.

CO2 laser resurfacing for burn and traumatic scars of the hand and upper extremity

Background

Scar formation is a normal part of the proliferative phase in wound healing where collagen is remodelled to better approximate normal skin. When collagen is not effectively redistributed, excessive scarring may occur. Recently, CO₂ laser has emerged as an adjunct in improving scar quality via remodelling and redistribution of dermal collagen fibres. Due to the paucity of literature related to its use in the hands and upper extremities, we created a study to examine its effects on hypertrophic scars focused on the hands and upper extremities.

Methods

Patients treated with CO₂ laser for hypertrophic scars of the hand and upper extremity were included. The Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS) and Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS) were used to assess the progression of scar quality. Unpaired t-tests were performed to determine statistical difference between pre- and post-treatment scores on each scale. Pearson correlation coefficients were used to understand the relationship between number of treatments and scar quality.

Results

Of the 90 patients enrolled, 54 patients completed serial scar assessment forms. All patient and observer-reported POSAS domains showed improvement (P < 0.05) apart from Itching. All VSS domains showed improvement (P < 0.05). There was moderate correlation between overall patient-reported opinion of scar quality and Discoloration, Stiffness and Thickness, and strong correlation between overall patient opinion and Irregularity (r = 0.715). All observer-reported domains were strongly correlated (r = 7.56–8.74) with overall observer opinion of scar quality.

Conclusion

The results of this study may further substantiate CO₂ laser as a treatment modality for excessive scarring in a variety of surgical subspecialties.

Lay Summary

Complex trauma and burns that impact the skin sometimes result in abnormal healing of the skin called, “hypertrophic scarring”. In our study we assessed how using focused CO₂ laser therapy impacts patients and health care provider assessment of wound progression. Our results were based upon patient reported and healthcare provider observations based upon two standardized forms the Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS) and the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS). What we found is that after CO₂ Laser Therapy, our 64 patients with 77 treated scars received on average almost 3 treatments and these treatments helped them with physical function and improved aesthetic appearance of their scars. The health care providers also found that the treatments improved functional and aesthetic end points. Overall, our study helps substantiate the body of evidence that using CO₂ laser therapy improves aesthetics and function of hypertrophic scars in the upper extremity.

Patterns and predictors of hand functional recovery following pediatric burn injuries: Prospective cohort study

PURPOSE

To describe the pattern of hand functional recovery in the first six months following the discharge of children with burn injury, and to identify the predictors affecting this recovery.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This was a prospective, comparative, follow-up cohort study in which hand functional outcome, was assessed during 9 months follow-up on 37 children with burn injuries involving the upper extremity with total body service area (TBSA<35%). Thirty-six matched healthy children were participated to compare the differences between children with burn and healthy children regarding the hand functional outcome. Hand function assessments included total active motion (TAM), grip strength and Jebsen Hand Function Test (JHFT) were conducted at hospital discharge, 3, and 6 months follow-up after discharge.

RESULTS

We found a trend towards an increase in the TAM scores over time (P<0.001), and were excellent in 5.41%, at discharge and increased to 18.92% and 40.54% at 3 and 6-month following discharge. The hand grip strength and JHFT showed significant improvement over time after 6 months (P<0.001). Regression analysis revealed that time to surgery, engagement in rehabilitation services, hand dominance, age and TBSA were the predictors of hand functional recovery and accounted 74% for TAM, 0.79 and 0.86 for total JHFT scores and grip strength.

CONCLUSIONS

the TAM, grip strength and JHFT were significantly improved after 3-month and these improvements were more evident at 6-month following discharge. Identification of the predictors may help therapists in the development of an effective rehabilitation programs.

Evaluation of burned hand function after enzymatic debridement

Hand burns are common injuries that can result in long-term impairment of hand function. Enzymatic debridement (ED) prevents damage to the viable dermis due to the procedure's selectivity and has become an option for obtaining an accurate depth assessment and enabling wound re-epithelialization with less skin graft use. We conducted a prospective study from July 2015 to July 2018, which enrolled patients with deep partial-thickness hand burns and treated them with ED using bromelain. After a specified period, we assessed the patients' hand function, using the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaire and the Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire (MHOQ) to assess their disabilities and activities of daily life, respectively. We assessed the hand joint range of motion using a goniometer and assessed scar quality with the Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS). We analyzed 72 patients with 90 burned hands at 3 months and, at the final assessment, 69 patients with 86 burned hands. Fire was the most common cause of the burns. Bromelain allowed for early debridement (73.6% during the first 24 h). At the 3-month evaluation, the mean DASH and MHOQ scores were 2.35 and 97.9%, respectively, with a high inverse correlation between the 2 types of scores (Spearman's rho, -0.78; p < .001). The mean wrist flexion and extension were 85.7 and 80°, respectively, the mean metacarpophalangeal flexion was 88.3°, the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) flexion was 112.9°, and the thumb opposition was 77°. The mean VSS score was 2.87. At the final evaluation, with a minimum follow-up of 391 days, the mean DASH and MHOQ scores were 0.18 and 99.71%, respectively. ED with bromelain in deep partial-thickness hand burns resulted in normal values at 3 months and at over 1 year of follow-up, with complete restoration of function and quality of life and good scar results.

Pediatric Treadmill Friction Burns to the Hand: Outcomes of an Initial Nonoperative Approach

Treadmill burns that occur from friction mechanism are a common cause of hand burns in children. These burns are deeper and more likely to require surgical intervention compared to hand burns from other mechanisms. The purpose of this study was to identify the factors associated with healing time using an initial nonoperative approach. A retrospective chart review was performed examining children (<15 years) who were treated for treadmill burns to the hand between 2012 and 2019. Patient age, burn depth, total body surface area of the hand injury, and time to healing were recorded. Topical wound management strategies (silver sheet, silver cream, non-silver sheet, and non-silver cream) and associated treatment durations were determined. For patients with burns to bilateral hands, the features, treatment, and outcomes of each hand were assessed separately. Cox regression analysis was used to evaluate the association between time to healing and patient characteristics and treatment type. Seventy-seven patients with 86 hand burns (median age 3 years, range 1-11) had a median total body surface area per hand burn of 0.8% (range 0.1-1.5%). Full-thickness burns (n = 47, 54.7%) were associated with longer time to healing compared to partial-thickness burns (HR 0.28, CI 0.15-0.54, P < .001). Silver sheet treatment was also associated with more rapid time to healing compared to treatment with a silver cream (HR 2.64, CI 1.01-6.89, P = .047). Most pediatric treadmill burns can be managed successfully with a nonoperative approach. More research is needed to confirm the superiority of treatment with silver sheets compared to treatment with silver creams.

Acute Management of Thermal Hand Burns in Adults: A 10-Year Review of the Literature

INTRODUCTION

Advances in the evidence base of acute thermal hand burns help to guide the management of these common injuries. The aim of this literature review was to evaluate recent evidence in the field over 10 years.

METHODS

The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis Protocols methodology was used as a guide for this literature review. PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, and Google Scholar were searched for English language articles related to hand burns published between 2009 and 2018 inclusive, and the Cochrane Library was reviewed. Exclusion criteria were as follows: participants younger than 18 years, scar or contracture management, rehabilitation, outcomes assessment, late reconstruction, and electrical or chemical burns.

RESULTS

An initial search retrieved 6493 articles, which was narrowed to 403 full-text articles that were reviewed independently by 3 of the authors and categorized. Of 202 included articles, there were 8 randomized controlled trials and 2 systematic reviews. Six evidence-based guidelines were reviewed. Referral of hand burns to specialist centers, use of telemedicine, early excision and grafting, and immediate static splintage have been recommended. Enzymatic debridement results in earlier intervention, more accurate burn assessment, preservation of vital tissue, and fewer skin grafts, and ideally requires regional anesthesia. Guidance on escharotomy emphasizes indication, technique and adequate intervention, and potential for enzymatic debridement. Inclusion of topical negative pressure, dermal regenerative templates, acellular dermal matrices, and noncellular skin substitutes in management has helped improve scar and functional outcomes.

DISCUSSION

The results of this literature review demonstrate that multiple national and international societies have published burns guidelines during the decade studied, with aspects directly relevant to hand burns, including the International Society for Burn Injuries guidelines. There are opportunities for evidence-based quality improvement across the field of hand burns in many centers.

CONCLUSIONS

More than 200 articles globally in 10 years outline advances in the understanding of acute management of thermal hand burns. Incorporating the evidence base into practice may facilitate optimization of triage referral pathways and acute management for hand burns.

Randomized Controlled Trial of Compression Interventions for Managing Hand Burn Edema, as Measured by Bioimpedance Spectroscopy

Compression, a common treatment of choice for the management of edema, is one intervention that is applied with little objective understanding of the optimal parameters of application or efficacy in acute burn wounds. The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of different methods of compression for the management of hand edema following burn injury. The primary hypothesis tested was that in acute hand burn injury, the application of cohesive bandage will reduce edema faster than a generic compression glove. It is a randomized controlled study of 100 patients presenting with hand burn injury. Compression was randomized to one of the three methods of application: 1) spiral application of Coban to fingers, figure of eight to hand and wrist; 2) pinch application of Coban to fingers, spiral application to hand and wrist; or 3) a generic compression glove (control condition). Bioimpedance spectroscopy was used to measure hand volumes. Hand and wrist range of movement, pain scores, and QuickDASH were recorded. One hundred patients (68 males) demonstrated significant reductions in hand volumes, using all compression methods. Both methods of applying Coban resulted in significantly greater reductions in edema compared to the generic compression glove. Notwithstanding compression method, all range of movement measures improved, with significant improvement in thumb opposition (P = .046), hand span (P = .020), and wrist flexion (P = .020). QuickDASH decreased between sessions (P &lt; .001). Different methods of applying Coban are superior to generic compression gloves for managing acute hand burn edema.

Epidemiology and Outcome Analysis of 470 Patients with Hand Burns: A Five-Year Retrospective Study in a Major Burn Center in Southwest China

Background

This retrospective study aimed to investigate the epidemiology of burns to the hand, including the causes, demographic data, management, and outcome in a single center in Southwest China between 2012 and 2017.

Material/Methods

A retrospective study included 470 patients with hand burns who were treated at a single hospital in Southwest China between 2012 and 2017. Demographic, injury-related, and clinical data were obtained from the clinical electronic data collection system.

Results

In 470 patients, men were more commonly admitted to hospital with hand burns (73.62%). Children under 10 years (29.57%) were the main patient group. Hospital admissions occurred in the coldest months, from December to March (55.11%). In 60.21% of cases, hand burns occurred outside the workplace. Fire (40.42%), electricity (30.85%), and hot liquids (20.21%) were the main causes of hand burns. Data from 428 patients showed that burns with a larger total body surface area and deeper burns were associated with surgery and amputation. Burn depth was a risk factor for skin grafting, and lack of burn cooling before hospital admission increased the risk of amputation. Data from 117 patients with localized burns showed that full-thickness burns and lack of cooling before admission were associated with an increased hospital stay.

Conclusions

The findings suggest that in Southwest China, prevention programs for children aged 0–9 years, injuries occurring in winter and non-workplace sites, and fire burns were imperative.

A Critical Update of the Assessment and Acute Management of Patients with Severe Burns

Significance: Burns are debilitating, life threatening, and difficult to assess and manage. Recent advances in assessment and management have occurred since a comprehensive review of the care of patients with severe burns was last published, which may influence research and clinical practice. Recent Advances: Recent advances have occurred in the understanding of burn pathophysiology, which has led to the identification of potential biomarkers of burn severity, such as protein C. There is new evidence about the potential superiority of natural colloids over crystalloids during fluid resuscitation, and new evidence about components of initial and perioperative management, including an improved understanding of pain following burns. Critical Issues: The limitations of the clinical examination highlight the need for imaging and biomarkers to assist in estimations of burn severity. Fluid resuscitation reduces mortality, although there is conjecture over the ideal method. The subsequent perioperative period is associated with significant morbidity and the evidence for preventing and treating pain, infection, and fluid overload while maximizing wound healing potential is described. Future Directions: Promising developments are ongoing in imaging technology, histopathology, biomarkers, and wound healing adjuncts such as hyperbaric oxygen therapy, topical negative pressure therapy, stem cell treatments, and skin substitutes. The greatest benefit from further research on management of patients with burns would most likely be derived from the elucidation of optimal fluid resuscitation protocols, pain management protocols, and surgical techniques from randomized controlled trials.

Scar Management of the Burned Hand

Burn injury can result in hypertrophic scar formation that can lead to debilitating functional deficits and poor aesthetic outcomes. Although nonoperative modalities in the early phase of scar maturation are critical to minimize hypertrophic scar formation, surgical management is often indicated to restore hand function. The essential tenant of operative scar management is release of tension, which can often be achieved through local tissue rearrangement. Laser therapy has emerged as a central pillar of subsequent scar rehabilitation. These treatment tools provide an effective resource for the reconstructive surgeon to treat hypertrophic hand scars.

Reconstruction of the Adult and Pediatric Burned Hand

Thermal injuries of the hand can have a great impact on function. Initial treatment should focus on the prevention of contracture through the use of tissue-sparing techniques and optimized occupational therapy. Surgical intervention should follow the standard reconstructive ladder and can involve several techniques from simple to complex including minimally invasive techniques, such as laser and steroid injection, contracture release and skin grafting, and local tissue rearrangement and regional flaps as well as distant pedicled and free flaps. Reconstructive surgery of the hand, when performed well, can lead to meaningful functional improvement in severe burns.

Acute Management of Hand Burns

The hand is extremely susceptible to burn injuries, and hand burns can occur in up to 90% of all major burns. A thorough neurovascular examination of the hand should be performed in the acute setting. Escharotomies are required in patients with full-thickness or circumferential burns, when perfusion of the upper extremity is compromised. The decision for excision and grafting is based on whether the wound will heal in the first 2 to 3 weeks after the burn injury. Acute care and resuscitation are always importance in this patient population; subsequent care leads to optimal hand functionality and cosmetic long-term outcomes.

[Strategies for complex injuries of the hand]

The quality of the reconstruction, follow-up treatment and care determine the treatment outcome of complex hand injuries. The initial estimation and therapy are decisive. Optimal results necessitate a structured approach with strategic planning, including thorough débridement, precise analysis of the resulting defect and loss of function and if possible unilateral reconstruction and well-founded planning of secondary interventions. Within the framework of the detailed patient clarification the perspectives, possibilities and alternatives must be realistically presented. Taking these fundamental strategic steps into consideration, the primary aims of reconstruction and preservation of function, rapid occupational and social reintegration and avoidance of delayed complications can best be realized. There is no standard approach for these extremely variable injuries. Decisive is that even in cases of apparently harmless injuries, the involvement of functional structures must be considered early in the initial stages.