Rehabilitation Management of the Burned Hand

Burns of hand can result in significant disability and loss of function. Recovery of hand burns is complex and requires focused, specialized rehabilitation within all phases of recovery for adult and pediatric patient. Effective management requires intensive focus starting in the early hours and days of the acute phase of rehabilitation through the months and years post-injury. Key interventions applied to the hand at all phases of rehabilitation include: edema management, positioning, orthotics, ROM, scar management, and use of reliable outcome assessment. Therapeutic goals for the burned hand focus on the achievement of optimal ROM, strength, function, and independence. Return of hand function after burn injury improves the quality of life and probability of return to school, work and meaningful life roles.