Extremity Mobilization After Split-Thickness Skin Graft Application: A Survey of Current Burn Surgeon Practices.

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    • Source:
      Publisher: Little, Brown And Company Country of Publication: United States NLM ID: 7805336 Publication Model: Print Cited Medium: Internet ISSN: 1536-3708 (Electronic) Linking ISSN: 01487043 NLM ISO Abbreviation: Ann Plast Surg Subsets: MEDLINE
    • Publication Information:
      Publication: Boston Ma : Little, Brown And Company
      Original Publication: Boston, Little, Brown.
    • Subject Terms:
    • Abstract:
      Purpose: To determine the current postoperative mobilization care practice patterns of burn surgeons after split-thickness skin grafting and to assess potential inconsistencies in management strategies.
      Methods: A cross-sectional study of active burn surgeons was conducted with an online questionnaire (SurveyMonkey) comprising 7 demographic and 22 mobilization-related questions.
      Results: Seventy-three (22%) of the 337 members of the American Burn Association mailing list consented to participate in the study, of whom 71 completed the demographic questions and 59 completed the mobilization-related questions. The majority of respondents had more than 10 years of burn care experience (68%) and practiced in an American Burn Association-verified center (70%). Standardized postoperative autograft mobilization protocols were used by 68% of respondents. Most (66%) never or rarely immobilized the upper extremity without joint involvement. When the elbow or wrist was involved, 73% always or very often immobilized. Similarly, 63% never or rarely immobilized the lower extremity without joint involvement. Most immobilized when the knee (70%) or ankle (63%) was involved. Immobilization duration was most commonly 3 or 5 days. Most respondents (71%) reported following Nedelec and colleagues' recommendation that "early postoperative ambulation protocol should be initiated immediately after lower extremity grafting," although there was practice variability.
      Conclusions: Our findings reveal that the majority of survey respondents do not immobilize the extremities after autograft without joint involvement. When grafts cross major joints, most surgeons immobilize for 3 or 5 days. Despite some practice variability, surveyed burn surgeons' current lower extremity ambulation practices generally align with the 2012 guidelines of Nedelec et al.
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    • Publication Date:
      Date Created: 20191022 Date Completed: 20210114 Latest Revision: 20210202
    • Publication Date:
      20221213
    • Accession Number:
      10.1097/SAP.0000000000001993
    • Accession Number:
      31633538