Burn deformities severity is assessed by the degree and type of burn - scar contracture, scar hyperplasia, and structural deformities due to loss of body parts. If the injury is superficial with limited burnt area, applying ointments help. However, if the burn is deep reconstructive surgery for burn deformities is required. Surgery helps to correct the deformities formed in joints, tendons, skin, and bones.
Burn injuries cause mental, emotional, and physical distress. Hence, healing of the wound takes time. Once the initial healing is complete, treatment administered for it includes repairing the burnt area through reconstructive surgery for burn deformities. It corrects the skin loss and secondary changes occurred in the joints and musculo tendinous.
Splints and exercise are the ways to manage the surgery. To prevent a flexor contracture to the burnt wound, a splint is applied for 6–7 weeks, and post that for up to 3 months it’s to be used only at night.
Patients must continue their active or passive stretching and motion exercises to keep their limbs agile.
Burn deformities require reconstructive surgery. This treatment involves surgery for both large and small burns. The options available are:
Scar release surgery: It is performed for large burns to improve mobility of the limbs and reduce scar contracture. In this procedure, the scar tissue is removed to release the skin tightness between the joints and muscles.
Split-thickness skin graft: The skin is harvested for repairing the outermost layer of the burnt area.
Full-thickness skin graft: The skin is harvested for all skin layers of the burnt wound.
Flap surgery: It involves transfer of muscle tissue, fat, blood vessels and skin from the donor to the burnt area.
Z-Plasty: This procedure is effective for small burns. A small flap of triangle shaped skin is removed from the scarred area, repositioned, and sutured to relieve the contracture tension and cover the scar.
Our team for reconstructive surgery for burn deformities is highly skilled and dedicated towards providing superior patient care. Our innovative procedures align with industry compliance, and hence patients are in safe hands. Our post-surgery care team ensures the patient is holistically recovered in mind, body, and soul.
Claw Deformity, Joint Deformities, and Palmer Contractures
The dressing should be checked and changed at every 24 hours, and the condition of the wound to be reassessed, as well. After 24 hours the depth of the burn should be visible and ointments like Flamazine can be applied.
The burn victim must wear a splint on the joint to keep it straight and thus prevent a contracture. Also, range of motion exercises must be regularly practised to maintain flexibility in the joints and muscles.
Superficial burns take 3 to 6 days to heal. Superficial partial-thickness burns heal in 3 weeks.
While, deep partial-thickness burns take more than 3 weeks for healing.
Swelling occurs due to the injury and usually reduces after 48–72 hours.
Superficial burns (first-degree burns) cause skin to peel. Pain felt is mild and will reduce after 2 days.
We provide effective surgical and non-surgical treatments for all parts of the body. At Cutis Hospital, our cosmetic and plastic surgery team is committed to giving patients safe and high-quality care.
