Cement burns: retrospective study of 18 cases and review of the literature

Cement is increasingly used in the construction industry, but the occurrence of cement burns is rarely reported. This retrospective study concerns patients treated for cement burns in our unit between 1997 and 2002.

Eighteen patients 18-64 years of age, treated previously in our unit for cement burns, were interviewed by telephone for evaluation.

The mean time since treatment was 39 months. Burns were predominantly seen on the lower limbs, and a third occurred during an accident on the job. All deep burns were excised, and 16 patients received grafts. Mean hospital stay was 10 days, and mean sick leave 2 months. Our study indicated that all patients were poorly informed about cement-related risks.

Surgical treatment of full-thickness cement burns at diagnosis enables rapid healing with a minimum of sequelae and reduces the high socioeconomic costs resulting from these lesions.

This study indicates once again the need to improve preventive measures; which are very often inadequate because of lack of awareness of risks.