Functional Reconstruction of Severe Postburn Upper Extremity Contractures
Kadir Cevik1, Egemen Ayhan2, Cevahir Ulas1
1Hand Surgery Clinic.
Annals of Plastic Surgery
|July 27, 2026
Summary
This study evaluated surgical strategies for severe postburn hand contractures in children and adults. A comprehensive approach significantly improved hand function, stability, and patient satisfaction, even in complex cases.
Area of Science:
- Plastic Surgery
- Hand Surgery
- Burn Reconstruction
Background:
- Severe postburn hand contractures cause significant long-term functional impairment in pediatric and adult patients.
- Current management often focuses on isolated deformity correction, potentially overlooking the complexity of multi-tissue involvement.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate surgical reconstruction strategies and outcomes for severe postburn hand contractures.
- To assess the efficacy of a comprehensive approach prioritizing functional stability and coordinated restoration.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 22 pediatric and adult patients (January 2021 - September 2025).
- Review of preoperative/postoperative data including clinical images and functional evaluations.
- Analysis of over one hundred procedures including contracture release, tendon transfers, grafts, flaps, and nerve procedures.
Main Results:
- Significant improvement in patient/caregiver satisfaction scores and hand use across all age groups.
- Marked gains in functional stability and aesthetic appearance were observed.
- While challenging in long-standing cases, overall hand utility improved substantially.
Conclusions:
- Comprehensive, individualized surgical strategies addressing all tissue components are crucial for effective postburn hand contracture reconstruction.
- Prioritizing functional stability over isolated motion yields meaningful improvements, even in severe cases.
- Timely, well-planned surgical intervention benefits both pediatric and adult patients.
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