Role of ultrasound in management of postburn contracture of the extremities

Aims and Objectives: This study aimed at assessing the role of ultrasound in postburn contracture evaluation of extremities. It correlated preoperative ultrasound with intraoperative findings to determine its usefulness in treatment planning. Materials and Methods: In this observational study, 51 patients aged 12 years and above with postburn contracture of the extremities were observed. A total of 92 contractures were studied, and B-mode ultrasound was used to determine the thickness of the scar and its relation with deeper structures. Statistical Analysis: A diagnostic test was used to calculate sensitivity and specificity. Inter-rater kappa agreement was used to assess the strength of agreement between ultrasound and intraoperative findings. P < 0.05 was considered significant. The data were entered into Microsoft EXCEL spreadsheet and analysis was done using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21.0. Results: Electrical burns showed deeper structure involvement in 62.5% of cases, and thermal burns showed contractures in 17.3% of cases based on preoperative ultrasound sonography (USG). Overall, USG and intraoperative findings were the same in all cases except one. Based on USG findings, surgical planning was better defined, and the need for flap cover was decided before surgery in all cases, resulting in better surgical decision-making. Conclusion: Ultrasound plays a role in assessing PBC involvement in deeper planes and tissues and in prognosticating correction of deformity and functional restoration. With advances in ultrasound technology, there will be a definitive change in diagnosing and managing PBC in a more objective way.