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Expanding oral plastic splint for burn patients
1Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Hirosaki University School of Medicine, Japan.
Summary
A novel expanding oral plastic splint effectively prevents microstomia in burn patients. This adaptable device requires no impressions and can be used early, even during intubation, with adjustable forces.
Area of Science:
- Plastic surgery
- Burn management
- Medical device innovation
Background:
- Microstomia, or limited mouth opening, is a common and debilitating complication following deep facial burns.
- Conventional treatments for microstomia can be invasive or require impressions, posing challenges for severely injured or intubated patients.
Observation:
- A new expanding oral plastic splint has been developed for the prevention of microstomia.
- The splint is designed for immediate use post-injury, accommodating various oral angles without pre-fabrication impressions.
Findings:
- The splint is easily adjustable to individual patient anatomy and burn severity.
- Controlled expansion forces can be applied to counteract contracture, facilitating early intervention.
Implications:
- This innovative splint offers a non-invasive, adaptable solution for early microstomia prevention in burn survivors.
- Its design facilitates use in critically ill patients, potentially improving oral function and quality of life post-burn.