Outcomes after deep full-thickness hand burns.
OBJECTIVE
To measure hand-specific functional performance after deep full-thickness dorsal hand burns.


METHODS
Descriptive, cross-sectional study.


METHODS
The 2005 Phoenix Society's World Burn Congress, Baltimore, MD.


METHODS
Volunteer sample of burn survivors (N=32) with full-thickness dorsal hand burns with extensor mechanism involvement, who consented to participate.


METHODS
Not applicable.


METHODS
Total active motion of joints, Jebsen-Taylor Hand Function Test (JTHFT), and Michigan Hand Questionnaire (MHQ).


RESULTS
Subjects had large burns (mean percentage total body surface area, 58%). Digit involvement was severe, with more than 50% having amputations and 22% with a boutonnière deformity. Forty percent of subjects had poor functional range with total active motion of less than 180 degrees . Scores on the JTHFT were lower than normative scores, and subjects reported most difficulty in performing MHQ activities of daily living (ADLs).


CONCLUSIONS
Even with partial amputation or loss of extensor mechanisms, the intact flexor muscles facilitate function by allowing for a modified grasp and enable patients to be independent in most ADL tasks. Training programs can be developed to meet specific goals despite residual hand deformities caused by deep full-thickness burns.
Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA. Radha.Holavanahalli@utsouthwestern.edu
Radha K
RK
Holavanahalli
Phala A
PA
Helm
April R
AR
Gorman
Karen J
KJ
Kowalske
D000203:Activities of Daily Living / Q000145:classification; D002056:Burns / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006230:Hand Injuries / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D018737:Hand Strength; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010146:Pain; D016896:Treatment Outcome