Division of Surgeons

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Browsing Division of Surgeons by Subject "Axillary post-burn scar contracture"

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    FUNCTIONAL OUTCOME BETWEEN THE USE OF Z-PLASTY AND FULL THICKNESS SKIN GRAFTING IN THE RELEASE OF AXILLARY CONTRACTURES AT KOMFO ANOKYE TEACHING HOSPITAL (KATH) -KUMASI, GHANA.
    (Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons, 2023-09-30) ADAE-ABOAGYE, KWADWO
    Axillary post-burn scar contracture is a challenging problem to the reconstructive surgeon owing to the wide range of movement with respect to the shoulder joint. Axillary post-burn contracture is disturbingly common and severe in developing countries and a significant problem in developed nations as well. Age related injuries abound as well as possible gender disparities. Most injuries have been found to be domestic related and when diagnosed, intervention need to be instituted at the earliest opportunity. The aim of this study was to compare the functional outcome between the use of z- plasty and the use of skin grafting in the release of axillary contractures in patients presenting to the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), Kumasi, Ghana. Methods: The study was longitudinal, prospective and comparative to assess the functional outcome of axillary contractures release of patients presenting to Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Kumasi. Study subjects included patients with axillary contractures presenting at KATH over a period of one (1) year. Data management and analysis: Data was collected from the patients, using a case reporting form, after informed consent was sort, coded and analysed with SPSS software. Outcome of the study was presented in tables and charts and Chi-square and these were used to establish the relationship between dependent and independent variables to test the hypothesis. Results: The median age for the sampled data was 13.5 years with 58% females and 42% males. The commonest aetiology was flame burns (50%), scald injury (31.6%), chemical burns (10.5%)and electrical burns (7.9%). The median angle changed from a mean of 92.9 degrees pre-operatively to 175 degrees immediate post-operatively, 170 degrees at two (2) weeks and 168 v degrees at four (4) weeks post-operatively. With a p-value of 0.72 at the end of the study, the difference in change in abduction when the two modalities were compared was found not to be statistically significant. Conclusion: The functional outcomes achieved in using z-plasty or full thickness skin grafting in the release of post-burns anterior and posterior axillary contractures are comparable and can be employed interchangeably.