Localized hand burns with or without concurrent blast injuries from fireworks

Area of Science:

• Trauma Surgery
• Pediatric Burns
• Hand Injuries

Background:

• Fireworks are a common cause of localized hand burns, particularly during national festivals.
• These injuries disproportionately affect children and males.
• Concurrent blast injuries, including fractures and amputations, frequently accompany burns.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the characteristics and outcomes of localized hand burns caused by fireworks.
• To evaluate the management strategies for both burn and associated traumatic injuries.
• To assess the functional recovery of patients following treatment.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective study of 32 patients with localized hand burns from fireworks.
• Classification of patients into isolated burn injuries (Group I) and those with concurrent traumatic injuries (Group II).
• Description of primary management including burn dressings and surgical repair of associated injuries.

Main Results:

• The majority of patients were children (54%) aged 5-14 years, and 94% were male.
• All burns healed within 3 weeks, and surgical wounds/fractures healed without infection.
• Three patients required secondary procedures for contracture release and skin grafting.

Conclusions:

• Localized hand burns from fireworks, especially with associated trauma, can be effectively managed with primary treatment.
• Prompt intervention leads to good wound healing and functional recovery, with most patients regaining hand use.
• Further preventative measures are crucial given the high incidence during festive periods.