• Sigrid A Blome-Eberwein, Adam Schwartz, Matt Ferdock, Sophia Starner, and Christina Gogal.
• Department of Surgery, Division of Burn Surgery, Lehigh Valley Health Network, Allentown, PA, USA. Electronic address: sigri.blome-eberwein@lvhn.org.
• Burns. 2024 Aug 1; 50 (6): 159716041597-1604.

BackgroundScar contracture bands after burns are frequent problems that cause discomfort and physical limitation. This study investigates the efficacy of a minimally invasive contracture band release technique (MICBR) inspired by closed platysmotomy.MethodsPatients with burn scars treated with MICBR in our center were included retrospectively. Our routine scar and contracture treatments (non-invasive and invasive) were utilized prior to undergoing MICBR. Range of motion (ROM) and Vancouver Scar Scale was measured before and after the procedure when feasible.ResultsForty-five patients were included, with 97 total contracture sites treated all over the body. An average of 1.6 sites were treated per patient, with a maximum of six. Patients age was 6-68 years; total burn surface area ranged from 0.5% to 85%. 24% were performed under local anesthesia. 84% were in originally skin grafted areas. We found significant improvements in ROM and VSS. 84% of patients surveyed were "satisfied" or "very satisfied". 95% reported improved mobility. No significant adverse events occurred.ConclusionThis MICBR technique is a versatile, safe, and well-tolerated adjunct procedure that can help patients regain mobility after a burn injury.Copyright © 2024. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

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