• Radha K Holavanahalli, Phala A Helm, April R Gorman, and Karen J Kowalske.
• Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA. Radha.Holavanahalli@utsouthwestern.edu
• Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2007 Dec 1;88(12 Suppl 2):S30-5.

ObjectiveTo measure hand-specific functional performance after deep full-thickness dorsal hand burns.DesignDescriptive, cross-sectional study.SettingThe 2005 Phoenix Society's World Burn Congress, Baltimore, MD.ParticipantsVolunteer sample of burn survivors (N=32) with full-thickness dorsal hand burns with extensor mechanism involvement, who consented to participate.InterventionsNot applicable.Main Outcome MeasuresTotal active motion of joints, Jebsen-Taylor Hand Function Test (JTHFT), and Michigan Hand Questionnaire (MHQ).ResultsSubjects had large burns (mean percentage total body surface area, 58%). Digit involvement was severe, with more than 50% having amputations and 22% with a boutonnière deformity. Forty percent of subjects had poor functional range with total active motion of less than 180 degrees . Scores on the JTHFT were lower than normative scores, and subjects reported most difficulty in performing MHQ activities of daily living (ADLs).ConclusionsEven with partial amputation or loss of extensor mechanisms, the intact flexor muscles facilitate function by allowing for a modified grasp and enable patients to be independent in most ADL tasks. Training programs can be developed to meet specific goals despite residual hand deformities caused by deep full-thickness burns.

16 keywords...

hide…