In stating that the formation of contracture deformities is one of the major problems encountered in the treatment of the burned patient; the author describes the steps taken to counteract this problem at thefirst pediatric hospital specializing in burn care. Desired positioning for the hand and wrist is described and reasons are put forward for the choice of materials used and listed with the equipment necessary for fabrication. The step-by-step method of construction of hand, elbow and knee splints is given with detailed illustration. The decision to write this paper was made following the successful application of over four hundred splints and the interest shown by both resident and visiting medical personnel.
IntroductionDuring the first year of patient care at the Shriners Burns Institute, Galveston Unit, one of the major problems encountered was the occurrence of contracture deformities in the post-burn child, requiring further reconstructive surgical procedures. To reduce the formation of these contractures, I various methods of splinting and bracing were utilized but often without success.This failure was apparently due either to the inadequacy of the device in maintaining position or to the actual delay in applying the device, the damage having already begun. It became evident that to achieve any measure of success the splints and braces should be made and fitted on the premises by a member of the hospital staff.
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