Severe upper extremities burn scar contractures after a scald burn – case report

Abstract

AIMS: To describe the medical history and surgical management of a boy presenting severe upper extremity scar contraction secondary to burn injury. CASE DESCRIPTION: We describe a case of a six years old patient presenting with an important upper extremity scar contraction secondary to a scald burn injury. Late surgical management included zetaplasties performed in multiple surgical stages with a satisfactory functional result. CONCLUSIONS: Scar contraction is a common complication following burn injuries and should be individually managed. The best way to prevent them is delivering an early appropriate treatment based on standard protocols for severe burn injuries. Treatment for contractions should be initiated by the simplest and most resolutive option for each case. In this case, zetaplasties and partial skin grafts were done, with a good effectiveness, minor morbidity and substantial improvement in the patient's quality of life.