Axillary burns: extended grafting and early splinting prevents contractures.
The development of contractures is a common complication after burn injuries. Axillary burns often result in limited abduction of the arm and present a major hindrance in rehabilitation. To prevent axillary contractures after burn injury, we perform a special grafting technique. In this study we treated 17 patients with 23 axillary burns using this technique. Patients were splinted early, and an intensive physiotherapy program was started 5 days after splinting. After 12 months, the mean abduction of the successfully treated axillary burns was 152 degrees. A secondary reconstruction was needed in only 5 of the 23 treated axillary burns. For the treatment of axillary burns, we recommend the described grafting technique in combination with early splinting and intensive physiotherapy.
Vehmeyer-Heeman
Mariëlle
M
Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Hand Surgery and Burns Unit, Carim Institute, University Hospital Maastricht, The Netherlands.
Lommers
Barbara
B
Van den Kerckhove
Eric
E
Boeckx
Willy
W
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001365:Axilla / Q000293:injuries*; D002056:Burns / Q000150:complications* / Q000628:therapy; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003286:Contracture / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011182:Postoperative Care / Q000379:methods; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D016038:Skin Transplantation; D013165:Splints; D016896:Treatment Outcome