Microsurgery as an Integrated Part of the Rehabilitation of Severely Burned Patients

The first step in the reconstruction of severely burned patients is the preservation of existing functional structures, using classical methods. The possibility of using microsurgical techniques for reconstruction in a second step completes the concept of rehabilitation. In the first 12 cases reported, the free transfer of soft tissue via microsurgical technique was sufficient to preserve existing structures and achieve better function. In cases 13–16, soft-tissue closure enabled the reconstruction of the extensor tendons in a subsequent operation. In the last 6 cases, microsurgical techniques were used to achieve good soft-tissue coverage as well as for reconstructing injured nerves and tendons. Results were demonstrated in these 22 cases.