Effectiveness of early rehabilitation in hand burns

Hand burn trauma occurs quite commonly and the outcome of hand burns can significantly impact self-care daily function, work and employment, leisure activities, and overall health-related quality of life. The overall goal of the management of hand burn trauma is to optimize hand function. Rehabilitation and restoration of hand function are critical for the patient's independence and re-integration into society and work. The purpose of this study is to present our experience with 105 hand burn trauma patients admitted and treated in our burn center and to show the efficacy of early rehabilitation on their ability to return to their prior social life and work.

In our study, we included that 105 patients with acute severe hand burn trauma were hospitalized in Gulhane burn center between 2017 and 2021. They underwent rehabilitation program daily sessions. Patients with hand burns are evaluated by ranges of motions (ROM), grip strength, Cochin Hand Function Scale (CHFS), and Michigan Hand Questionnaire (MHQ) 12 months after the injury.

Overall, mean digital total active motion were >180°. The mean values for grip strength of dominant hand for men were 27.2±9.3 kg, for women were 22.0±8.8 kg and non-dominant hand for men were 24.05±13.8 kg, for women were 17.8±10.3 kg. Total score of 5 items was 19.0 in CHFS. The mean overall score on the MHQ was 62.3±27.4. All obtained data were within normal or accepted functional ranges. Spearman correlation coefficient indicates a negative correlation between MHQ and CHFS (p≤0.01).

A comprehensive rehabilitation program is essential in helping patients to regain optimal function after hand burn trauma. Physiotherapy and occupational therapy is most beneficial when started at the time of admission.