title: Lower-extremity burn reconstruction in the child.
abstract: Lower-extremity burns in a pediatric patient require special consideration. The management of burn reconstruction in pediatric patients is often complex, requiring multiple reconstructive operations, and the primary intention of the surgeon is to prevent burn scar deformities. Timely management of the burn wound and postburn scars has decreased the incidence of burn scar deformities and contractures of the lower extremity in recent years. We present an overview of the principles of reconstruction techniques using skin grafting and biologic skin substitutes to restore the important barrier lost secondary to burns. In addition, we address methods of repairing scar contracture, a common occurrence in burn patients, at specific locations on the lower extremity. Finally, special scenarios such as burns associated with fractures, burn injury in insensate children, and Marjolin ulcer are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina 29425, USA.
authors.forename: John R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Barbour
authors.forename: Mark
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Schweppe
authors.forename: Seung-Jun
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: O
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D002056:Burns / Q000145:classification / Q000150:complications / Q000534:rehabilitation* / Q000601:surgery; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D002921:Cicatrix / Q000517:prevention & control*; D003286:Contracture / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D062109:Dermatologic Surgical Procedures; D025981:Hip Injuries / Q000150:complications / Q000209:etiology / Q000534:rehabilitation / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007869:Leg Injuries / Q000209:etiology / Q000534:rehabilitation / Q000601:surgery*; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D012867:Skin / Q000293:injuries; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D016038:Skin Transplantation / Q000379:methods