Different types of contractures
A contracture has various characteristics, like size, depth, location, shape and quality of surrounding skin. It is important to address these before selecting an adequate treatment option.
Based on specific characteristics, experts have proposed classifications for post burn scar contractures. In our experience, these classifications are useful for understanding contracture release surgery.
However, every contracture has its own characteristics. Describing different classifications for specific joints and developing this into flowcharts oversimplifies the reality.
The classification of axillary contractures into five types (Ogawa et al., Br. J. Plast. Surg. 2003) is an example of a classification system used to select the right surgical methods according to the type of contracture. More recently, Botman and Hendriks used and modified this system (Plast. Reconstr. Surg. Glob. Open 2020).
Contracture classification
A simplified but practical burn scar contracture classification
| Contracture classification | Description |
|---|---|
| Type 1 | Small and thin burn contractures (a superficial or small part of the joint is affected) |
| Type 2 | Linear band burn scar contracture (creating a fold with two healthy sides) |
| Type 3 | Linear band burn scar contracture with diffuse scarring of the surrounding skin (often one side is more affected than the other side) |
| Type 4 | Broad band burn scar contracture |
Type 1
Small and thin burn contractures (a superficial or small part of the joint is affected).
Type 2
Linear band burn scar contracture (creating a fold with two healthy sides).
Type 3
Linear band burn scar contracture with diffuse scarring of the surrounding skin (often one side is more affected than the other side).
Type 4
Broad band burn scar contracture.
