Effectiveness of Distraction Principle by External Circular Frame in Correction of Postburn Wrist Contracture
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Background: Although it is preferable to prevent post-burncontractures of the upper extremities rather than to cure them,Many patients, nonetheless, experience this handicap, particularlyfollowing serious burns or inadequate primary care.Plastic surgeons find Post-burn Fixed Flexion Deformity(FFD) of the wrist to be difficult to treat because of its intricacyand severe impact on patient impairment. Even thoughPost-burn flexion contracture deformity has been treated withsurgical release and reconstruction extensively, the surgery isnot without major difficulties, and the degree of rectification isnot always sufficient.Objective: This case series study was conducted to evaluatethe effectiveness and safety of Ilizarov’s principles of distractionneo histiogenesis and differential distraction as a minimallyinvasive technique for correction of post burn soft tissuecontracture deformity of the wrist joint without any concurrentbony procedures to prevent the risks associated with release andreconstructive surgery and to achieve long-term improvementWith no complication or recurrence.Results: A total of 15 consecutive patients with a mean ageof 32 years (11 to 40) had distraction for a Mean period of 25days (21 to 30). The fixator was removed after a mean of 38days (35 to 42) when the wrist was in neutral position, followedby physiotherapy. Final Assessment after a 12-month periodshowed improvement in functional position that allowed moreactive movement of the hand, and appearance had markedly improved.Without any serious consequences, every patient hadtheir deformity completely corrected.Conclusion: Although surgical release and reconstructionhave been used extensively to treat severe post burn wrist flexioncontractures, the degree of correction is sometimes unsatisfactory,and the procedure is not exempt from significant complications.Based on the principle of slow, gradual differentialdistraction, we mounted a circular frame distractor to deal with joint contractures. This is a percutaneous surgery, with verymild aggression to the patient and very low iatrogenic risks.The technique is easy, the degree of correction may be almostcomplete, and the hospital stay is limited.
Institution: Ain Shams University
Language: English
Subfield: Epidemiology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4410181675