Burn Reconstruction & Contracture Release
Surgical release of restrictive post-burn contractures, skin grafting, and flap reconstruction to restore joint mobility and anatomical contours.
What is Burn Reconstruction & Contracture Release?
Severe burns often heal with thick, restrictive scar tissue known as burn contractures, which severely limit the movement of the neck, elbows, hands, and other joints. Dr. Sarika Gangwar provides comprehensive post-burn reconstructive surgery using contracture release, z-plasties, local tissue rearrangement, split- and full-thickness skin grafting, and regional tissue flaps to relieve tension and restore mobility.
Why is Burn Reconstruction & Contracture Release Needed?
Burn contractures cause chronic stiffness, joint immobility, functional impairment, pain, and marked physical disfigurement. Releasing contractures restores functional range of motion and alleviates joint deformities.
Who is Eligible?
- Patients with mature burn scars causing joint restriction or neck pull
- Patients with functional impairment of hands, wrists, elbows, axilla, or neck
- Good general nutritional status and blood parameters
- Commitment to post-operative physical therapy and splinting
Who is not a suitable candidate?
Burn Reconstruction & Contracture Release is not appropriate for everyone. You should not proceed, or should discuss alternatives, if any of the following apply:
- Immature, actively hyperemic scars without functional compromise (conservative compression preferred initially)
- Uncontrolled chronic medical conditions or severe active skin infections in donor/recipient sites
The Procedure — Step by Step
Functional Assessment & Planning
Evaluation of joint range of motion, scar maturity, tissue deficit, and selection of grafting or flap options.
Surgical Incision & Contracture Release
Careful incision and excision of restrictive fibrous bands, releasing the joint to its maximal anatomical extension.
Tissue Defect Coverage
Coverage of the resulting raw surface using local flap rearrangement (Z-plasty), full-thickness skin graft, or split-thickness skin graft harvested from a concealed area.
Secure Dressing & Splinting
Application of tie-over bolsters and rigid functional splints to immobilize the joint in full extension for optimal graft survival.
Recovery Timeline
Days 1–5
Strict immobilization in splints to safeguard newly placed skin grafts.
Day 5–7
First dressing change and inspection of graft adherence.
Weeks 2–4
Graft fully stabilized; supervised active and passive physiotherapy initiated.
Months 2–6
Continued custom pressure garments and night splinting to prevent secondary contracture.
Expected Results
Significantly improved joint mobility, relief of tissue tightness, and marked functional restoration.
Safety & Quality Assurance
Performed in modern operating theaters with strict aseptic protocols, gentle tissue handling, and dedicated post-operative physiotherapy support.
Frequently Asked Questions about Burn Reconstruction & Contracture Release
Surgical release is typically performed once the acute burn has fully healed and scars have matured (usually 6 to 12 months post-injury), unless severe contractures threaten joint dislocation, eyelid closure, or airway positioning.
Yes. Post-operative splinting and physiotherapy are just as important as the surgery itself to maintain the newly gained range of motion while the graft heals.
For split-thickness grafts, skin is typically taken from the thighs or buttocks; for full-thickness grafts, from the groin or lower abdomen where incisions can be closed primarily.
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