Treatment of Pediatric Upper Extremity Burns

Pediatric upper extremity burns are common. There is significant literature outlining the treatment of surgical hand burns; however, the appropriate treatment of nonoperative burns is less well described. Options for treatment are plentiful, and choosing an ideal strategy requires consideration of numerous factors. At our center, pediatric upper extremity burns are managed using a multidisciplinary approach. This topical review outlines the management of pediatric upper extremity burns. We focus on the management of nonoperative burns, but additional information is provided outlining the indications for and techniques of operative management for more severe burns.