Characteristics and Outcomes of Patients Requiring Burn-Specific Rehabilitation: A Single-Institution Experience in Australia

Severe burn injuries inflict significant physical and psychological morbidity, though advances in acute care have dramatically improved survival rates. Patients with severe burn injuries require specialized rehabilitation to address burn-specific complications, including hypertrophic scarring, contractures, chronic pain, mental health challenges and psychosocial issues. A retrospective audit was conducted on patients admitted from 2013 to 2023 to a specialized adult burn rehabilitation unit providing care for severe burn injuries. Data was collected on demographics, injury characteristics, treatment and surgical history, rehabilitation progress, and recorded complications. The Functional Independence Measure (FIM) was routinely collected at admission and discharge. In total, there were 59 patients with an average age of 47. The average TBSA was 46%. High rates of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) (29%), heterotopic ossification (17%), and contractures (49%) were noted. Mental health issues were recorded in 49% of patients. The average inpatient rehabilitation stay was 54 days. Disability measured by FIM score showed improvement from 91 to 110 (P < .001). Severe disability rates decreased from 20% on admission to 5% on discharge. There was a high prevalence of complications among severe burn patients, including heterotopic ossification and unexpectedly elevated rates of DVT. Burn-specific rehabilitation is effective at reducing disability and improving functional outcomes. Prospective studies on specific burn injury complications in the rehabilitation setting are recommended.