Plaster Burn: Challenge to Plastic Surgeon.

Area of Science:

• Plastic Surgery
• Burn Management
• Medical Device Complications

Background:

• Thermal burns are a significant, often overlooked, complication associated with medical plaster applications.
• This study investigates the clinical and etiological characteristics and severity of burns resulting from plaster use.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the clinical and etiological profile of patients who sustained thermal burns from medical plaster application.
• To assess the severity and depth of plaster-associated burns.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective assessment of six patients with plaster burns was conducted in the Department of Burns, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.
• Data collected included total body surface area, burn depth, wound cultures, and daily moist dressing until surgical intervention.

Main Results:

• The study included six patients (4 males, 2 females; mean age 40.2 years) with plaster burns.
• Three burns were accidental (hand involvement common), and three were iatrogenic (ankle involvement common).
• Iatrogenic burns were typically deep (2nd to 4th degree), while accidental burns were often 2nd degree. Treatment varied from conservative management and skin grafting to complex flap reconstructions.

Conclusions:

• Plaster burns present a persistent challenge for plastic surgeons.
• Recommendations include minimizing casting material without compromising cast integrity to reduce thermal injury risk during plaster application.