Comprehensive rehabilitation management after burn in children

Introduction: A burn is the most frequent injury in children. Injuries caused by direct flame are the main reason of occasional death at home in children 1-14 years old. Burns are classified by the reason, area, depth and location of the burn as well as trauma severity. Treatment of immersion scald is long lasting and requires holistic medical care. The basic physiotherapy methods help prevent complications occurring after scald burns. The paper consists of two parts where the first one is theoretic and presents a description of the rehabilitation methods applied to patients after burns. The second part is a case report. The aim of the publication was to present information about comprehensive rehabilitation of a burnt child.

Material and methods: The study involves a description of a burnt boy (IIa/IIb degree) involving 15% of TBSA (chin, front part of the neck and chest, epigastrium, and a part of the left arm). The paper presents a retrospective outline of treatment and rehabilitation provided for 2 years in the Children’s University Hospital in Krakow. The publication also includes an active evaluation of the patient and the plan of rehabilitation which was conducted 5.5 years after the injury. The research material was based on medical documentation, medical history and referrals to physiotherapist surgeries.

Results: The examination of the patient 5.5 years after the injury demonstrated a very good general condition and a good state of post-burn scars.

Conclusions: Long-lasting and systematic conservative treatment and comprehensive physiotherapy management including massage, pressure therapy, kinesiotherapy and physiotherapy influence the right formation of post-burn scars. In children it is necessary to conduct regular evaluation and physiotherapy for several years after the injury in order to maintain achieved results, prevent complications during development and improve any abnormality.