Burns : journal of the International Society for Burn Injuries
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Seventeen patients with 24 regions received running Y-V-plasties to release burn scar contractures over a 3-year period. The scar band can be completely interrupted and lengthened without the need for undermining and transposition of the skin flaps, circulatory embarrassment of the flaps can be avoided. ⋯ The running Y-V-plasty has unique advantages for the treatment of cord-like or linear burn scar contractures. This approach resulted in shorter hospital stay and allows early mobilization of the involved extremities.
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This paper explores the burn agents involved among children admitted to the Hamilton General Hospital Burn Trauma Unit (BTU), and the severity of their burns. Charts were retrospectively reviewed for all burn cases aged 5 years and under admitted to the BTU between January 1986 and mid-November 1990. Descriptive statistics and one-way analysis of variance were employed. ⋯ There was a significant difference in both the mean total body surface area of the burn, and the number of days spent in the BTU, according to the agent involved (P = 0.01 and P = 0.004, respectively). Flame and contact injuries were often the most severe. A disproportionate number of burn victims admitted to hospital are infants and toddlers.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
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Although the literature on the psychological consequences of burns is fairly extensive, the evidence gathered by the charity 'Changing Faces' over the last 2 years suggests that the resources allocated to psychological rehabilitation are still far from adequate. This article draws on the personal experience of one of the authors who was in a car fire 24 years ago, reviews some of the literature, briefly looks at the work done by Changing Faces and discusses some of the tasks of the 'burns team'. The authors are aware that generalizations about the consequences of burns are fraught with risk because every fire has its own causes and complications, but it is hoped that the themes expressed here do raise important general points.
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Two soldiers suffering from electrical burns due to contact of radio receiver antenna with overhead cables are presented. The necessary preventive measures for such injuries are discussed.
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A retrospective multifactorial epidemiological study of all patients admitted to the Burns Unit, St James's Hospital, Dublin during a 3-year period from January 1988 to December 1990 was undertaken. One hundred and twenty patients were admitted. All patients were aged over 14 years. ⋯ The mean time in hospital was 49.9 days. Twenty-three per cent of patients died as a result of their injuries. We have identified those living in residential institutions to be at increased risk from scald burns and suggest methods by which they may be protected.