Delayed definitive reconstruction of the burned hand: evolution of a program of care.
Experience gained in treating patients with hand burns admitted to an active Regional Burn Center has resulted in the development of a biphasic approach which separates early healing and later reconstructive surgical procedures. This schedule permits late definitive surgery on healed functioning hands and is accomplished in a single operation in most cases. This biphasic approach has led to better results at our institution in terms of hand function and appearance, and to a decrease in total numbers of surgical procedures. Reports of others using alternative methods and schedules, also with satisfactory results, are discussed.
D002056:Burns / Q000601:surgery*; D002921:Cicatrix / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery; D003286:Contracture / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery; D006230:Hand Injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D011182:Postoperative Care; D011300:Preoperative Care; D013518:Surgery, Plastic / Q000379:methods*