Burn Contracture Release

Abstract

This chapter describes the surgical procedure for burn contracture release as performed by the following approaches: using sharp technique to excise contracted skin with placement of skin substrate, or full-thickness skin graft, as well as lengthening of the contracted scar. The text includes an introduction that outlines the indications, risks, alternatives, essential steps, needed equipment, and variations in technique for the procedure in question. This is followed by a template operative dictation, which provides the reader with an operative report, such as is found in a patient chart or electronic medical record. A description is provided of the following critical concepts for this procedure: removal or lengthening of hypertrophic scar tissue with resultant tension-free closure.