Jurnal Plastik Rekonstruksi
Vol. 13 No. 1 (2026): (2026) Jurnal Plastik Rekonstruksi

Adult Burn Contracture Reconstructions Caused by Burn Injury During Childhood: Patients’ Quality of Life and Surgical Challenges

I Nyoman Putu Riasa (Division of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery and Burn Unit, Department of Surgery, Udayana University, Ngoerah Hospital, Bali)
Bertha Kawilarang (Division of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery and Burn Unit, Department of Surgery, Udayana University, Ngoerah Hospital, Bali)



Article Info

Publish Date
31 Mar 2026

Abstract

Introduction: In many low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), childhood burns continue to be common, and contractures that persist into adulthood lead to significant disability. Observational studies suggest that health-related quality of life (HRQoL) generally improves over time in adult burn survivors; however, individuals with burn-scar contractures experience greater disability and lower HRQoL.Method: Descriptive, single-centre case series. Four adults with longstanding contractures from childhood flame burns were identified: postoperative qualitative HRQoL data (unstructured interviews). Surgical techniques and outcomes were recorded from clinical notes and photographs.Results: Growth through the scar caused multilevel deformities (bone/joint, tendon, soft tissue). Staged surgery included: (i) wrist/hand contracture release with ligament stabilisation, K-wire fixation, and tendon lengthening; (ii) multistage auricular reconstruction using a costal-cartilage framework covered by a pedicled temporoparietal fascial flap (TPFF) and ultrathin scalp skin graft; (iii) trunk/inguinoperineal release with abdominoplasty-style umbilical and nipple-areola complex (NAC) repositioning, and pedicled latissimus dorsi myocutaneous (LD-MC) flap; and (iv) staged regional reconstruction following oncologic resection of squamous-cell carcinoma (SCC) arising in a burn scar. In all cases, daily function and psychosocial well-being improved, and patients returned to work, demonstrating strong motivation for staged procedures.Conclusion: Even when reconstruction is delayed until adulthood, focusing on high-impact functional goals in a staged plan produces meaningful HRQoL improvements for survivors of childhood flame burns in resource-constrained settings.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

jpr

Publisher

Subject

Civil Engineering, Building, Construction & Architecture Other

Description

Jurnal Plastik Rekonstruksi is an open access, peer reviewed, international journal focusing on global plastic and reconstructive surgery. JPR publishes on all areas of plastic and reconstructive surgery, including basic science/experimental studies pertinent to the field and also clinical articles ...