The Role of Physiotherapists in the Care of the Burned Patient

Abstract

Aim: Burn injuries must be treated with considerable care by the rehabilitation team to prevent potential contractures that may occur. Physiotherapy is vital in the rehabilitation of burn-injured patients. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to find out the problems of burn-injured patients from the point of physiotherapist’s view. Materials and Method: This study carried out in a General Hospital in Tehran from February since June 2005. The hospital files of subjects were consulted for medical history; cause of injury, classified of depth of burn and the extent of injury. Our treatment protocols have been considered the important points based on the patient’s situation. Results: We treated 23 burn patients who were injured due to electrical (57%) and other accidents (43%) i.e., car, domestic and house firing accidents. There was a significant difference between their gender. All of them classified for depth of burn about 2nd and 3rd degree, their extent of injuries were above 40% in more than 48% of patients and their age were 36±12 years old (mean ± standard deviation). The results show about 50% of patients, in the time of accident, were above 40 years old. In addition, 22% of them amputated (i.e., AK, AE, BE and finger). These results show that the most area of injury is hand (especially right hand). Our main problem was the contracture of elbow and fingers joints in 13% of patients. It should also be mentioned that more than 70% of burned patients have been grafted. Conclusion: The final word is to start the physiotherapy treatment from day 1st of injury and group therapy could be considered in chronic phase of treatment.