The care of burned upper extremities

Two sets of factors will ultimately influence the outcome of the burned upper extremity. The first set of factors is the depth and severity of the burn. The second set is the group of complications of the burn injury attributable to edema, inflammation, immobility, and malposition. An awareness of the potential pitfalls that follow burn injury has resulted in improved primary care and a lessening of deformity. Progressive acute care with topical chemotherapy, early motion, thoughtful splinting, and timely burn wound closure are essential to reduce the need for secondary operations. Reconstructive efforts should be tailored to the individual needs of the patient. These procedures should be carefully planned with a view toward balancing aesthetic and functional considerations and minimizing the time required for rehabilitation.