Management of the burned hand

Reconstruction of the pediatric burned hand

Though the hand constitutes only 3% of the total body surface area, a burned hand is a major injury. Reconstruction of the burned hand is key to the overall rehabilitation of the burned patient. Whether an isolated injury, or part of burns to a large overall body surface area, loss of the hand represents a major functional impairment. The American Burn Association recognizes the importance of the burned hand by designating it a major injury. In addition, loss of the hand constitutes a 57% loss of function for the whole person. Thus, successful management of the burned hand is important.

Early Motion and Splinting of Hands following Burns: A Literature Review

Burns of the hands may result in the most incapacitating deformities, both functional and esthetic. When acute, these deformities represent postural changes and, as such, are transient, yielding rapidly to corrective measures. Without proper preventative management at this stage, these deformities will become fixed and permanent. This paper seeks to briefly describe the role played by early motion and proper positioning (usually with splints) in the optimal rehabilitation of the burned hand. Rehabilitation begins early after injury, requiring the combined efforts of surgeon, therapist and patient. The discussion of such management is divided into an early and late phase.

Management of the burned hand

The hand appears to be the most common part of the body involved in burns as it is either used to shield the body from the burning agent or to extinguish the effects elsewhere on the body. The saying that "next to life there are hands" demonstrates the importance that is placed upon the use and need of one's hands in order to carry out everyday tasks of normal living. In order to manage burns to the hands, the effects of the injury and the aftermath must be understood and one must not only consider the hands, but the patient as a whole. The regime of treatment used at the Prince of Wales Burns Unit involving nursing care and physiotherapeutic techniques, is outlined, and the need for understanding of the pathophysiology of burns in order to correctly manage the burned hand is emphasised.