Our Summary

This research paper is a review of the latest information on how to best treat hand burns. The researchers looked at studies published between 2009 and 2018. They didn’t include studies on people under 18, or those focusing on scars, rehabilitation, outcomes, late reconstruction, or damage from electricity or chemicals.

Of the 6493 studies they found initially, they ended up focusing on 202 of them, which included 8 trials and 2 reviews. They also looked at six sets of guidelines on the best ways to treat burns.

The key findings suggest that hand burns should be referred to specialist centers and telemedicine can be useful. Early removal of burnt tissue and grafting, and immediate use of static splints are also recommended. Enzymatic debridement, a technique that uses enzymes to remove dead tissue, leads to quicker treatment, more accurate assessment of burns, less damage to healthy tissue, and fewer skin grafts. It works best with regional anesthesia.

The paper also highlights the benefits of using certain techniques, including topical negative pressure, dermal regenerative templates, acellular dermal matrices, and noncellular skin substitutes, to improve scars and function of the hand after a burn.

In conclusion, this review found over 200 articles in a decade that have advanced our understanding of how to treat hand burns quickly and effectively. This knowledge can help improve how hand burns are managed and referred for treatment.

FAQs

  1. What were the key findings of the review on how to best treat hand burns?
  2. What is enzymatic debridement and what are its benefits in treating hand burns?
  3. What are some of the techniques recommended for improving scars and function of the hand after a burn?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor might tell a patient considering a hand transplant that it is important to follow post-operative care instructions carefully to ensure a successful outcome. This may include regular physical therapy, medication management, and avoiding activities that could put stress on the new hand. It is also important to attend follow-up appointments with the transplant team to monitor progress and address any concerns.

Suitable For

Patients who have suffered hand burns are typically recommended for hand transplant if they have severe functional limitations and disability as a result of their injury. Hand transplant may be considered for patients who have lost a significant amount of function in their hands and are unable to perform daily tasks or work-related activities. Additionally, patients who have experienced significant disfigurement or deformity as a result of their hand burns may also be recommended for hand transplant.

It is important for patients to be in good overall health and have realistic expectations about the potential risks and benefits of hand transplant surgery. Patients must also be willing to commit to a rigorous post-transplant rehabilitation program to ensure the best possible outcomes.

Overall, hand transplant may be recommended for patients who have suffered severe hand burns and have not been able to regain adequate function or appearance through other treatment options.

Timeline

Before hand transplant:

  1. Patient experiences a severe hand burn injury.
  2. Patient may undergo initial treatment such as debridement and grafting.
  3. Patient may require referral to a specialist burn center for further evaluation and treatment.
  4. Patient may experience limitations in hand function and mobility due to the burn injury.

After hand transplant:

  1. Patient undergoes evaluation for hand transplant candidacy.
  2. Patient undergoes hand transplant surgery, which involves the removal of the damaged hand and the transplantation of a donor hand.
  3. Patient undergoes post-operative care and rehabilitation to regain hand function and mobility.
  4. Patient may experience improvements in hand function and quality of life following the hand transplant procedure.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about hand transplant include:

  1. Am I a good candidate for a hand transplant?
  2. What are the risks and potential complications associated with a hand transplant surgery?
  3. What is the success rate of hand transplant surgeries?
  4. What is the recovery process like after a hand transplant?
  5. What are the long-term implications of having a hand transplant?
  6. Will I need to take immunosuppressant medications after the surgery?
  7. How will having a hand transplant impact my daily life and activities?
  8. Are there any alternative treatments or therapies that I should consider before opting for a hand transplant?
  9. How many hand transplant surgeries have you performed, and what is your experience with this procedure?
  10. What ongoing care and follow-up will be required after the hand transplant surgery?

Reference

Authors: Dargan D, Kazzazi D, Limnatitou D, Cochrane E, Stubbington Y, Shokrollahi K, Ralston D. Journal: Ann Plast Surg. 2021 May 1;86(5):517-531. doi: 10.1097/SAP.0000000000002755. PMID: 33675628