Contracture surgery for burn victims|Overview

Contracture surgery for burn victims|Overview

Very few major trauma presents as challenging and extensive as that of burn injury. Scar contracture after a burn injury can result in severe pain, functional problems, movement limitations, and aesthetic issues. When contracture involves joints, it can lead to deformity and even disability, specifically in children. The best burn surgeon in Lahore performs the most powerful and effective treatment for contracture release, reconstruction, and rehabilitation.

In spite of the significant achievements in burn treatments and awareness, the rate of scar contractures is quite high. Among the three severe consequences of burn injury, i.e., scar formation, contractures, and soft tissue defects, contractures most often lead to disability. The best burn surgeon in Lahore uses different surgical methods to eliminate contracture, restore normal functions and improve the appearance of the contracted region. Specific anatomic and clinical features were classified to determine the true contracture type to develop new and more effective reconstructive techniques. Depending upon the distinct features, the contractures were distinguished into the following types;

• Edge contracture
• Medial contracture
• Strip contracture
• Total contracture

Contracture is a very serious complication of the burn. Burn contracture is the tightening and thickening of the skin and underlying tissues after second or third-degree burn injury. When the certain area of the body is burnt, the surrounding skin and soft tissue begin to pull together, resulting in contracture formation. The patient is not able to move the contracted area normally. The condition needs to be treated as soon as possible as contractures can be painful, disfiguring, and can lead to movement restriction. Contractures can cause other complications as well, depending upon their location and severity; for instance, neck contractures can severely affect the most basic functions of eating and breathing. The best burn surgeon in Lahore performs numerous reconstructive methods to release the contracture.

Burn contractures do not go away on their own, although they may improve a little bit with the passage of time. In case of persistent burn scar contracture, they need to be released surgically. The most powerful treatment option for contracture elimination and reconstruction is through different surgical methods, which have been successfully and effectively used for a long time. Following are the techniques that are used by the best burn surgeon in Lahore to remove the burn contracture and restore the normal function and appearance;

• Skin flaps
• Skin grafts
• Z-plasties
• Tissue expanders
• Local rotation flaps
• Free-floating flaps, etc.

The appropriate choice is made based on the duration of contracture, the surface area involved, joint, functional rehabilitation, and cosmetic concerns. Surgical interventions for post-burn contractures are not undertaken during the active phase of healing and scarring, and because of the extensive character of treatment, the relationship between the burn survivor and the reconstructive surgeon is usually long-lasting.