Refining the idiom "functional range of motion" related to burn recovery.

The term "functional" in burn rehabilitation has gained widespread use to describe a patient's recovery after burn injury. But what truly is "functional" when applied to a patient recovering from burn injury? A literature search was performed for information defining "functional" range of motion (ROM). Maximum upper and lower ROM values to perform a variety of daily activities were abstracted and compared with published outcomes of patient groups recovered from burn injury. Seventy references were reviewed leading to categorizing 11 activities and 26 joint motions. Seven burn outcome articles were found that classified patient scar contracture severity based on ROM. In comparing the results, many burn survivors with severe burn scar contractures could be considered "functional." Refinement of the term "functional" is needed related to burn outcomes. Functional ROM of a particular joint to perform one specific task may be insufficient to perform a variety of other tasks when all planes of motion are considered. Use of the term "functional" to describe a patient's outcome should be used in a guarded manner.