Burns : journal of the International Society for Burn Injuries
-
After extensive use for head and neck reconstruction, the deltopectoral flap has been supplanted by alternative methods of reconstruction and relegated to historical references. However, it remains a very valuable skin flap and should keep its place in the armamentarium of reconstructive surgeons for postburn head and neck reconstruction. We report here five cases of head and neck reconstruction using the deltopectoral flap: one case of perioral reconstruction after ballistic trauma, one case of nasal reconstruction after burn and three cases of neck reconstruction after burn contracture. ⋯ Previous tissue expansion can minimize donor site morbidity. The flap division necessitates a second surgical procedure. The major burn contractures of the neck are, in our opinion, an excellent indication of the deltopectoral flap.
-
Despite common use and theoretical construct validity, goniometry is not reported to be reliable for the measurement of burn-affected joint range of motion. Similarly, a number of simple objective measures commonly used to document hand mobility have eluded this rigour. This study aimed to examine the within sessions of intra-rater and inter-rater reliability of active joint range of motion measurement in patients with burns. ⋯ This study demonstrated excellent intra-rater and inter-rater reliability and measurement of clinically relevant change for all measurements when applied with a standardised protocol. Therefore, assessing joint range of motion (ROM) with a goniometer or hand movement with linear or scale measurements can provide accurate, objective measures in the burns population.
-
This study was undertaken after an increasing trend in young babies presenting with severe burns was observed in Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH) in Perth, Western Australia. The aim was to explore the patterns of these injuries with a view to identifying whether they could be prevented with better parent education. ⋯ Infants less than 6-month-old are at significant risk of burn; at this age the injury is usually caused by hazards in the home environment. These infants are vulnerable to inadequate first aid and require a large amount of follow-up care. Better parental education may help reduce the number of injuries we see in this age group.