Introduction and Epidemiology It has been more than three decades since Herndon and colleagues' first manuscript on inhalation injury was published. It was initially reported in 1985 that inhalation injury was a major determinant of mortality in severely burned patients.…
Introduction Structure and Function of the Skin Skin, the body's largest organ, is incredibly complex. Functionally, there are two layers with a highly specialized and effective bonding mechanism. Numerous appendages traverse the skin, and a rich and reactive capillary network…
History The first skin autograft was described by Reverdin in 1871, and the use of allograft skin as a clinical method for wound coverage soon followed. In 1874, Thiersch published a report about a small series of patients on whom…
Introduction Continuous improvement in burn care since World War II has resulted in a steady increase in the rate of survival after large burn injury. These improvements have been attributed to aggressive fluid resuscitation, early excision and grafting of burn…
Introduction Surgery for burn injury is a key component to the multidisciplinary care of the burn patient. It usually involves early procedures such as escharotomy and fasciotomy when indicated, followed by burn excision. Early intervention in the form of early…
Introduction Skin is the first immune defense mechanism and functions as a barrier against microorganisms. Infections are a significant problem once open wounds compromise this barrier. According to the U.S. National Burn Repository, the four leading causes of burn morbidity…
Introduction Advances in the resuscitation of burn patients have greatly improved survival so that death from burn shock has become uncommon. In the 21st century, prompt functional recovery for the burn patient hinges on proper early management of the burn…
Note: The opinions or assertions contained herein are the private views of the authors, and are not to be construed as official or as reflecting the views of the Department of the Army or the Department of Defense. Introduction Burns…
Note: The opinions or assertions contained herein are the private views of the authors, and are not to be construed as official or as reflecting the views of the Department of the Army or the Department of Defense. Introduction and…
Introduction Advances in trauma and burn management over the past three decades have resulted in improved survival and reduced morbidity from major burns. The cost of such care, however, is high; it requires conservation of resources such that only a…