Interventions for Functional and Cosmetic Outcomes Post Burn for Eyelid Ectropion-A Scoping Review

Rationale: Burn injuries to the face can have devastating consequences functionally and cosmetically for individuals and can result in increased depressive symptoms and low self-esteem. Burn injuries have the potential to cause contracture of the skin, especially on the face due to multiple concave surfaces, possibly causing facial deformity. These functional and cosmetic implications can interrupt activities of daily living. Although there is consensus in the literature that early interventions contribute to improved outcomes for eyelid ectropion, there is currently limited consensus regarding the techniques used in the management of eyelid ectropion post burn injuries. Objectives: The aim of this scoping review was to explore the evidence in the literature to identify surgical and non-surgical techniques to manage and prevent eyelid ectropion post burn. Method: Five databases (PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, Cochrane, and Scopus) were searched for articles published between January 2014 and August 2024. Two reviewers completed the search. Each article was screened independently by each reviewer against the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Where disagreement arose, a third reviewer was consulted for resolution. Results: n = 56 articles were sources in the initial search. Post screening, n = 20 met the criteria for full review; n = 14 were included in the final review. All studies reported on surgical techniques used to manage eyelid ectropion post burn, and only one study reported on non-surgical techniques. All studies were observational in design. Conclusions: There is a paucity of research addressing the surgical and non-surgical techniques for the management and prevention of eyelid ectropion following burns in the adult population. The existing literature primarily consists of case studies and case series, which limits the robustness of the evidence base for the effective management of this condition post burn.