• H Terziqi, I Sopjani, B Gjikolli, G Muqaj, and M Mustafa.
• Clinic of Plastic Surgery, University Clinic Centre Pristina, Kosovo.
• Ann Burns Fire Disasters. 2021 Jun 30; 34 (2): 192-198.

AbstractThe aim of this study is to describe the management and outcome of surgical treatment for post burn contractures in different parts of the upper extremities in children, and provide a final decision algorithm that can be a useful guide for the Resident regarding surgical approach to contracture management. This was a retrospective study conducted in the Clinic of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Pristina-Kosovo, between 2014-2016. All cases continued check ups in the Gentiana-Grelor private clinic in Pristina until 2019. Followups were conducted for no less than 6 months with respect to the viability and healing of the repaired area. Patients of both genders, aged from 0 months to 18 years with post-burn contracture in upper extremity, were included in the study. For the sake of presentation, we divided them anatomically into four main areas: axilla, elbow, wrist and hand. We start with a reconstructive ladder using skin grafts (STSG, FTSG), and local flaps such as advancement flaps, Z-plasties, V-Y or Y-V advancement flap, abdonimal/groin pedicled flap, cross finger flap, radial forearm flap were used. Patients were called for follow-up lasting a minimum of one to up to three years. The study included 144 patients. Their age ranged from 9 months to 18 years, the mean age being 12 years. Ordering them by location, post-burn contracture percentage in upper extremity in children was 68% on the hands, 18% on the elbows, 8% on the axilla and 6% on the wrist. A classification and treatment algorithm aids in achieving significant improvements in both joint motions and aesthetic deformities.Copyright © 2021 Euro-Mediterranean Council for Burns and Fire Disasters.

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