Publication:

Clinical profile of patients with post burn contracture

Background Burns are a major, global public health problem, resulting in an estimated 195,000 deaths annually. Most burns occur in low-and middle-income countries, with almost half occurring in the south-east Asia region. The reasons for the high incidence include widespread ignorance of fire prevention, the rapid increase of poor socio-economic conditions, and the persistence of old traditions and customs.

Methods The study was carried out in Department of Surgery, Himalayan Institute of Medical Sciences, SRH University, Swami Ram Nagar, Dehradun over a period of 12months. Cases of the post burn contractures attended in the O.P.D were included in the study.

Results A total of 45 patients were included in the study. Of these, 22 (48.8%) were males and 23 (51.2%) were females. Ages ranged from 1 to 55year. Flame burn (20 cases = 44.4%) was the most common type of initial burn insult followed by scald burns (14 cases=31.1%).

Conclusions The pitfalls in initial burn care that lead to contractures in the patients include the failure to institute adequate surgical management of deep burns, the lack of physiotherapy/ROM exercises, and failure to provide proper anti-deformity splint age. There is need to revisit the prevalent acute burn care practices and establish focused preventive strategies.