Holistic Approach to Burn Reconstruction and Scar Rehabilitation

Phys Med Rehabil Clin N Am. 2023 Nov;34(4):883-904. doi: 10.1016/j.pmr.2023.06.018. Epub 2023 Jul 24.

Abstract

More than 11 million burn injuries occur each year across the world. Many people with burn injuries, regardless of injury size, develop hypertrophic scar, contracture, unstable scar, heterotopic ossification, and disability resulting from these sequelae. Advances in trauma systems, critical care, safe surgery, and multidisciplinary burn care have markedly improved the survival of people who have experienced extensive burn injuries. Burn scar reconstruction aims to improve or restore physical function, confidence, and body image. Like acute burn care, burn scar reconstruction requires thoughtful, coordinated approaches along the continuum of burn injury, recovery, and rehabilitation.

Keywords: Burn; Reconstruction; Rehabilitation; Surgery.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Burns* / complications
  • Cicatrix, Hypertrophic* / complications
  • Cicatrix, Hypertrophic* / surgery
  • Contracture* / complications
  • Contracture* / surgery
  • Humans