Preoperative Edema Management for the Burned Hand

Traditional management of the burned hand includes elevation, ointment based product and elastic dressings with management of edema postoperatively. This has led to unsatisfactory results with burned hands leading to long term hand deficits and dysfunction. A new approach was piloted with use of self adhesive compression dressing, that successfully assisted with preoperative hand edema. All burned hands were subject to a comprehensive hand assessment. Preoperative edema was initiated within 24 hours of admission. Elevation was managed with the hand above the level of the bed rail. Figure 8 measurements were taken every other day with the use of self adhesive dressing changes. Once edema stabilized, a compression glove was used for maintenance. A total of 18 hands were studied, 67% were able to make a full fist, 22% were unable to make a full fist and 11% were restricted to movement due to early discharge. In conclusion, application of early preoperative edema management with a self adhesive compression dressing and elevation assisted in better hand function outcomes.