Staged Treatment of an Extensive Post-Burn Scar Contracture with Chronic Ulceration of the Knee Joint: A Case Report

ABSTRACT

A post-burn scar contracture (PBSC) can cause functional problems including limited range of motion (ROM) and, in turn, poor quality of life. We present a case with an extensive PBSC combined with chronic ulceration. Treatment involved scar tissue excision, rehabilitation, and delayed reconstruction using a free transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap and a split-thickness skin graft. After scar tissue excision, negative pressure was applied to the open wound; this facilitated rapid ambulation and ROM recovery within 2 weeks. Ultimately, over 6 months, the initial flexion contracture of 60º improved to 10º, and the ROM improved from 75º to 125º.