Carpal tunnel release in hand burn-A novel approach to preserve hand function

Dr Sheikh Sarfraz Ali; Dr Brajesh Pathak; Dr Mohd Altaf Mir; Prof A H Khan

Volume : VII, Issue : V, May - 2018

Carpal tunnel release in hand burn-A novel approach to preserve hand function

Dr Sheikh Sarfraz Ali, Dr Brajesh Pathak, Dr Mohd Altaf Mir, Prof A H Khan

Abstract :

The present prospective comparative study has been conducted in the 15 patients of thermal, scald and electrical burn with hand involvement who were evaluated and managed in the emergency burn care unit. The 6 cases with edematous hand and wrists were managed with emergency fasciotomy and carpal tunnel release with splintage in safe hand position. Patients were observed for the clinical improvement like regression of edema and preservation of sensory and motor activity. The results observed in cases were compared with the 9 controls in which the emergency fasciotomy alone with splintage in safe hand position was performed. The patients were on follow up examination for the period of six months after discharge from the burn unit.There was significant edema reduction in cases within 3–4 days as compared to the control (4–6 days).The muscle power of grade 5 was observed in all cases as compared to that of 4 in control group. There was no nerve compression symptoms observed in any cases. We concluded that there was significant improvement in cases with carpal tunnel release along with fasciotomy.This improvement was significant in both short term as well as long term outcome.