Abstract
Contractures from burns or other trauma generally manifest as discrete areas of skin
deficiency or localized scar bands in the hand, and are treated successfully with
release and resurfacing of the affected area. We report a case of generalized bilateral
skin tightness in the hand from severe childhood burns, with no obvious localized
area of contracture, manifesting with pain and numbness when making a fist and with
certain activities. This was treated with release and resurfacing of the first webspace
with bilateral free lateral arm flaps as well as endoscopic carpal tunnel release,
resulting in increased laxity of skin throughout both hands, and resolution of dynamic
symptoms with activity.
Keywords
burns - hand contractures - free flap - hand pain - hand numbness
