Development of an integrative algorithm for the treatment of various stages of full-thickness burns of the first commissure of the hand

Burns. 2017 Jun;43(4):812-818. doi: 10.1016/j.burns.2017.01.002. Epub 2017 Apr 14.

Abstract

Burns of the first commissure of the hand can evolve into an adduction contracture of the thumb. We decided to conduct a review of the existing literature on the treatment of full-thickness burns of the first commissure in order to develop a treatment algorithm that integrates the various currently available procedures. A search of the existing literature was conducted, focusing on the treatment of a burn of the first commissure in its chronic and acute phases. A total of 29 relevant articles were selected; 24 focused exclusively on the chronic contracture stage, while 3 focused exclusively on the acute burn stage, and 2 articles studied both stages. A therapeutic algorithm for full-thickness burns of the first commissure of the hand was developed. With this algorithm we sought to relate each degree and stage of the burn with a treatment.

Keywords: Burn; Contracture; First web space; Hand.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Algorithms*
  • Burns / complications
  • Burns / surgery*
  • Contracture / etiology
  • Contracture / surgery*
  • Disease Management
  • Hand Injuries / complications
  • Hand Injuries / surgery*
  • Humans
  • Practice Guidelines as Topic
  • Skin Transplantation / methods*
  • Skin, Artificial*
  • Surgical Flaps*
  • Thumb / injuries