Burns of the hand and wrist. Current concepts in diagnosis and treatment.

Correct acute care is critical in the treatment of burns of the hand, particularly in the younger patient in order to avoid complications that may interfere with the patient's quality of life and ability to be self-sufficient and self-supportive. Objectives of management are to prevent edema, prevent prolonged immobilization and poor position and prevent infection and preserve viable tissue. The various modalities that are used to achieve these objectives and how they may be individualized to meet the patient's specific needs are described and discussed.