Outcomes of Surgical Treatment for Burn Contracture on the Hand: A Retrospective Study

Abstract

Objectives: Burn-related contractures in joint regions with a high range of motion in the upper extremities can cause serious functional limitations. This retrospective case-control study aimed to evaluate the outcomes of surgical treatment for burn contracture on the hand. Methods: The study included 20 patients who underwent surgery and had at least 6 months of postoperative follow-up. We analyzed postoperative complications that occurred during the follow-up period and other variables, such as age, gender, follow-up time, the time between the burn injury and surgery, patients' satisfaction from surgery with a scoring system, as well as the affected hand of the patients. We defined the hand deformities of the patients due to contractures and evaluated the surgical methods performed for these deformities. Results: There were 7 females, and 13 males with a mean age of 17 years (SD: 11,98) in our study. The mean age at which the patients were injured due to burns was 13 years (SD: 12,14), and the mean time from injury to surgical treatment was 3.7 years (SD: 2,18). The mean follow-up period was 19.2 months (SD: 12,50). The patients reported a high level of satisfaction, with a mean satisfaction score of 8.7 out of 10 (SD: 1,69). Temporary K-wire fixation was used in two patients, and no complications related to K-wires were observed. Postoperative complications included limited flexion in the fifth finger, recurrence of the second finger contracture, mild recurrence of the fifth finger PIP joint contracture, and scar pain in the second web space. Two patients also experienced partial z-plasty flap necrosis which healed secondarily. Conclusion: Our data suggest that surgical treatment for burn contracture on the hand can provide functional mobility and improve the quality of life with a high level of satisfaction for patients.