Axillary burns: extended grafting and early splinting prevents contractures

The development of contractures is a common complication after burn injuries. Axillary burns often result in limited abduction of the arm and present a major hindrance in rehabilitation. To prevent axillary contractures after burn injury, we perform a special grafting technique. In this study we treated 17 patients with 23 axillary burns using this technique. Patients were splinted early, and an intensive physiotherapy program was started 5 days after splinting. After 12 months, the mean abduction of the successfully treated axillary burns was 152 degrees. A secondary reconstruction was needed in only 5 of the 23 treated axillary burns. For the treatment of axillary burns, we recommend the described grafting technique in combination with early splinting and intensive physiotherapy.