Burn injuries, especially when they occur across joint surfaces during childhood, can result in significant functional limitations as the child grows. This was exactly the case with a 21-year-old patient who sustained a severe burn to his hand at the age of five. The injury, caused by accidental immersion in boiling water, was not treated initially, leading to post-burn hand deformity—a condition known as post-burn flexion contracture,. This condition locks the fingers in a bent position and restricts their extension, creating challenges in performing daily activities.
Understanding the critical nature of his condition, the patient underwent a meticulous surgical procedure to release his multiple finger contractures. The surgery, performed under tourniquet control and with magnification to protect tiny nerves and blood vessels, involved using the patient's own skin harvested from his thigh to cover the resultant defects. Post-surgery, the patient's hand was carefully wrapped in a dressing and supported by a splint to ensure proper healing.
The post-operative care was thorough, following strict protocols alongside regular follow-up and physiotherapy sessions. These efforts were crucial in helping him regain full functionality of his hand, allowing him to flex and extend his fingers completely. The successful outcome of this surgery highlights the profound impact of timely and expert surgical intervention in treating severe burn injuries and restoring quality of life.
The successful surgical treatment of the young man's post-burn hand deformity underscores the importance of expert care in burn recovery. Through meticulous surgery and dedicated aftercare, including physiotherapy, he regained the full functionality of his hand, highlighting the transformative potential of specialized medical intervention in overcoming complex burn injuries.