Burns

Burns are acute injuries that may result in lifelong disabilities. Acute burn management aims to accelerate wound healing and incorporates both surgical and nonsurgical techniques along with appropriate metabolic support to minimize long-term sequelae. Fibrotic scarring, hypermetabolic states, heterotopic ossification, and psychological impairments are common among burn survivors. The burn physiatrist must be adequately prepared to manage acute wounds and be involved in medical management of the burn patient regardless of the need for excision and grafting or later reconstructive procedures. Acute management may be focused on pain management and wound closure; however, with time, patients experience physical symptoms more focused on itch and fibrosis of scar along with challenges in social reintegration. Survival after large burn injuries has increased dramatically with access to up-to-date medical care, but the overall burden of injury is large in the developing world. As a result, there is a population of patients surviving large burn injuries that would not have in the preceding decades that may increase should access to medical care become more available.