BACKGROUND: Burn patients are initially treated with volume replacement and, importantly, subsequent excision and early grafting of their injuries. These first aid measures improve the progress and survival rates of burned individuals. However, this treatment creates a new challenge in reparative surgery with regard to the management of burn sequelae, which mainly include contractures. In this study, we aimed to assess the effect of artificial dermal matrix application and negative pressure therapy on the treatment of burn sequelae. METHODS: Ten patients with burn contractures were selected for this study and underwent scar contracture release, wound coverage with an artificial dermal matrix (Integra®), and negative pressure dressing according to the standard procedures. Dressing changes were performed every 5 days for 3-4 weeks. A skin graft was then laid on the wound bed. In the pre- and postoperative period, the patients were asked to rate their satisfaction with the aesthetic and functional aspects of the treated region. RESULTS: In the areas in which the contractures were resected, integration of almost 98% of the dermal regeneration matrix was observed. Also integration was observed in 85% of the grafts used. All the patients reported a significant aesthetic and, in particular, functional improvement of the treated region. CONCLUSIONS: The use of dermal regeneration matrix and negative pressure therapy for the treatment of scar contractures improves the success rate and the aesthetic and functional outcomes of patients with severe burn sequelae.
Contracture; Burns; Reconstructive surgical procedures
