Ten Top Tips: Surgical Release and Splinting of Burn Scar Contractures
Summary: Practical guide for burn scar contracture management: prevention (early therapy/silicone), surgical timing (6-12 months), techniques (Z-plasty for bands, full-thickness grafts), intra-op splinting, post-op rehab (ROM day 5-7, massage). Emphasizes multidisciplinary OT input, custom anticontracture orthoses 23h/day x 6 months, family education for compliance.
Key Highlights:
- Prevention: Early excision, therapy, silicone/compression.
- Surgical: Z-plasty bands, full-thickness grafts defects.
- Splinting: Custom thermoplastic day 0, 23h/day.
- Rehab: Active ROM early, monitor pressure sores.
- Authors: Ahmed Emam, Sarah Gardner et al.
Keywords: burn contractures, surgical release, splinting, Z-plasty, compliance