• N J Wells, J C Boyle, C F Snelling, N J Carr, and D J Courtemanche.
• Division of Plastic Surgery, University of British Columbia, Vancouver General Hospital. BC.
• Can J Surg. 1995 Dec 1; 38 (6): 533-6.

ObjectiveTo compare an alternative treatment for lower extremity burns with the standard in-hospital treatment, in an attempt to shorten hospital stay.DesignA case-control series.SettingA university-affiliated hospital.PatientsAll patients with a burn isolated to a lower extremity were treated over an 8-month period with split-thickness skin grafting (STSG), Unna paste dressing, immediate mobilization and early discharge. This group was compared with matched controls from the preceding 8 years treated with STSG, occlusive burn gauze dressing, bed rest and hospitalization.Main Outcome MeasuresDuration of hospital stay and graft viability.ResultsThirteen patients with an average wound size of 131 cm2 were treated with Unna paste and had a graft viability of greater than 95% and a burn-scar rating equivalent to that of patients treated with the earlier regimen. The duration of hospital stay decreased from a mean of 12.9 days to 1.4 days, with no complications. This translated into a saving of $10,350 per patient.ConclusionsThis alternative treatment is safe, inexpensive and effective and is recommended as the treatment of choice for uncomplicated, noncircumferential lower extremity burns.

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