[Hand burns in children. Retrospective study of 137 cases from 1973-1982 representing 177 hands]

One hundred and seventy seven burnt hands observed in children during the last ten years were reviewed at our hospital. One third were severely injured with burns deeper than 2nd degree. The infrequent greasy occlusive dressing was performed under general anesthesia in 87% of the burnt hands as the primary treatment. Out of 19 cases, five necessitated a secondary procedure one year or more later. Excision followed by full thickness skin grafts or flaps was used initially in 11%. Besides the common sequelae of burnt hands, we found some proper to children: clinodactyly, inhibition of longitudinal growth following epiphyseal plate destruction. The annual increase in the observed number of cases which doubled in ten years, shows the importance of prevention.