Quantifying contracture severity at hospital discharge in adults: A burn model system national database study

Model System:

Burn

Reference Type:

Journal article

Accession No.:

J79947

Journal:

Journal of Burn Care And Research (formerly Journal of Burn Care & Rehabilitation)

Year, Volume, Issue, Page(s):

2018 , 39, 4, 585-592

Publication Website:

Abstract:

Study examined quantitative contracture-related range of motion (ROM) outcomes by anatomical location, burn size, and length of stay (LOS) in adult burn survivors. Data were obtained from the Burn Model System National Database from 1994 to 2003. All adult patients with a joint contracture at acute discharge were included and 16 joint motions were examined. Contractures were reported as both mean absolute loss of normal ROM in degrees and percent loss of normal ROM. Analysis of variance was performed to assess associations between measures of injury severity (burn size and LOS) and ROM outcomes. Data from 659 patients yielded 6,228 instances of contracture. Mean absolute loss of normal ROM ranged from 20 to 65 degrees, representing an 18 to 45 percent loss of normal movement across the studied joint motions. In the majority of joint motions, contracture severity significantly increased with larger burn size and longer LOS; however, wrist and many lower-extremity joint movements did not demonstrate this trend. The data illustrate the quantitative assessment of ROM deficits in adults with burn injury at discharge and the relationship to burn size and LOS.

Author(s):