effect of splinting on the occurrence of contractures in burned Lower Limbs

ABSTRACT

Burn injuries represent one of the most serious public problems facing both developing and industrialized nations today. Long term scaring, disfigurement and dysfunction; which require specialized extensive and long term care to assume optimal recovery and rehabilitation. Therefore, the need for rehabilitation becomes even more crucial; so, burn patients need highly specialized multidisciplinary team co-operation to act effectively and efficiently. Thus, the present study aims to determine the effectiveness of splinting on the occurrence of lower limb burn contractures. This study was carried out in the Burn unit at the Alexandria Main University Hospital. Subjects of this study included thirty patients admitted to the burn unit with recent moderate burns, Two tools were used in this study. Data were collected over a period of twelve months [from June 2005 to May 2006], The main results revealed that the lower limbs splints which had been used in the study included; total leg splint, posterior knee splint, and foot drop splint had met all properties with 100%, which include [conformability, durability, rigidity, moisture permeability, finish, padding, and rivets]. Lower limb splints were fitted to the patient through three weeks. Results showed that pain discomfort, and edema had been decreased Muscle strength of the lower limbs was increased during the performance of range of motion exercises, and patients were able to perform activities of daily living without assistance as splinting decreased the occurrence of contracture deformities of the lower limbs. It can be concluded from the present study that patients affected by burns on lower limbs must be splinted and joints should be positioned in their anatomical positions. The lower limbs and feet have an important role as they support the whole body weight