Epidemiology and Predictors for Cervical Burn Scar Contractures: A Multicenter Cohort Study

Area of Science:

• Plastic Surgery
• Burn Management
• Reconstructive Surgery

Background:

• Cervical burn scar contractures (BSCs) significantly impair neck function and patient quality of life.
• Risk factors for developing and worsening cervical BSCs remain incompletely understood.
• Early identification of high-risk patients is essential for effective prevention and treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To elucidate the epidemiology of cervical BSCs.
• To identify independent risk factors associated with the formation and severity of cervical BSCs.
• To inform targeted interventions for patients susceptible to neck contractures post-burn.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of clinical and demographic data from 106 burn scar patients across three Chinese hospitals (December 2016 - December 2020).
• Application of univariate and multivariate logistic regression models to pinpoint independent risk factors.
• Assessment of BSC formation and severity at 12 months post-burn.

Main Results:

• Lateral flexion was the most frequently limited plane of motion (POM) due to contractures (29.4%).
• Neck extension was the POM most commonly affected by severe contractures (24.6%).
• Neck skin grafting emerged as an independent risk factor for BSC formation; cervical and cervicothoracic skin grafting independently predicted increased BSC severity.

Conclusions:

• Neck skin grafting is a significant risk factor for cervical burn scar contracture formation.
• Cervical and cervicothoracic skin grafting are independently associated with increased severity of cervical burn scar contractures.
• These findings enable early identification of high-risk individuals, facilitating personalized preventive strategies and timely treatment.