Recent strategic approach in postburn extremity scars and contractures

Area of Science:

• Regenerative Medicine
• Plastic Surgery
• Wound Healing

Background:

• Burn contractures significantly impair function and aesthetics.
• Conventional treatments often have limitations in fully restoring tissue function.
• Novel therapeutic approaches are needed to enhance outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of combining acellular dermal matrix (ADM), platelet-rich plasma (PRP), stem cells, and fat grafting with conventional techniques for burn contractures.
• To assess the impact of these combined therapies on functional and aesthetic outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Twenty-nine patients with burn contractures were treated using ADM and split-thickness skin grafts.
• Patients received additional treatments including platelet-rich plasma (PRP), stem cell, and fat injections based on contracture severity.
• Outcomes were assessed using range of motion (ROM), Patient and Observer Scars Evaluation Scale (POSAS), and histopathological analysis.

Main Results:

• Statistically significant improvements were observed in postoperative POSAS scores and ROM (p < .05).
• Histopathological findings showed increased collagen organization, vascularization, and improved tissue thickness.
• No significant differences in outcomes were noted between treatment groups.

Conclusions:

• Combined therapy using ADM, PRP, stem cells, and fat grafting offers a promising approach for improving functional outcomes in burn contracture repair.
• These regenerative techniques, alongside conventional methods, provide satisfactory results for patients with varying degrees of burn contractures.