Splinting for Burns


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Description[edit | edit source]

A burn is an injury to the skin or other organic tissue primarily caused by heat or due to radiation, radioactivity, electricity, friction, or contact with chemicals [1]. Most burns are due to heat from hot liquids (called scalding), solids, or fire .

Indication[edit | edit source]

Splints are generally used for:

  • Prevention of contractures
  • Protection of a joint or tendon
  • Immobilization following a skin graft
  • Decreased Range of Motion (ROM)
  • Maintenance of ROM obtained while exercising or during a surgical release
  • Poor patient compliance

For patients with burns injury, splints are used to hold parts of the body so that:

  • The skin graft can be immobilized and protected while healing
  • The skin can be prevented from shrinkage and contractures while healing
  • The new grafts and flaps are protected
  • The deformity is prevented and/or corrected
  • The ROM is maintained and/or increased
  • The weak muscles can counteract the effect of gravity

Clinical Presentation[edit | edit source]

add text here relating to the clinical presentation of the condition, including pre- and post- intervention assessment measures. 

Resources[edit | edit source]

add appropriate resources here, including text links or content demonstrating the intervention or technique

References[edit | edit source]

  1. Burns. Available from: https://www.who.int/violence_injury_prevention/other_injury/burns/en/ (Accessed 29 November 2020)