Serial casting: a method for treating burn contractures.

The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of serial casting of burn contractures that were resistant to traditional methods of treatment such as paraffin therapy, massage, exercise, and splinting. Serial casting was used to increase the range of motion in 35 joints in 15 patients with burns. A mean increase of 54% was achieved. Casting provided immediate results with minimal complications and was accepted well by patients. Casts were easy to apply and effective even with noncompliant patients. They also delayed or eliminated the need for surgical correction.