Secondary reconstructive surgery in burns

The material presented consist of 143 late sequelae of thermal burns. The majority of the patients were children, and the upper extremities or the face were most frequently involved. As only 41% of the burns had been primarily grafted, scar contracture was the main indication for secondary surgery in 83% of the patients. The importance of early correct evaluation of the burn and active primary treatment is stressed, especially in deep dermal burns (II degree). Release by complete excision or incision with skin grafting was the most frequent method of reconstruction. The treatment of contractures, hypertrophic scars and keloids, as well as various factors influencing the selection of the reconstructive method and time are discussed.