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Purpose: Hand burns are common in the pediatric population. Optimal hand function is a crucial component of a high-quality survival after burn injury. This can only be achieved with a coordinated approach to the injuries. The aim of this study was to review the management algorithm and outcomes of pediatric hand burns at our institution., Methods: In total, 70 children fulfilling our study criteria were treated for a burn hand injury in our Burn Care Center between January 2008 and May 2013., Results: 14 of the 70 pediatric patients underwent surgery because of the depth of the hand burns. The management algorithm depending on the depth of the burn is described. Two patients underwent correction surgery due to burn contractures later., Conclusion: For a successful outcome of the burned hand, the interdisciplinary involvement and cooperation of the plastic and pediatric surgeon, hand therapist, burn team, patient and their parents are crucial.

Introduction: Infections of the hand are common diseases in hand surgery departments. The correct diagnosis and subsequent treatment is difficult and is often underestimated. In literature different and often conflicting treatments are recommended. The present study retrospectively analysed our two-stage surgical treatment., Patients and Methods: 60 patients (mean age: 51 years, 38 male, 22 female) were studied retrospectively on the basis of the diagnosis hand infection (ICD L03.-). In all patients, a rapid and radical surgical debridement without wound closure was performed. An antibiotic therapy was initiated. We investigated how often wound closure during a second-look operation, following a period of open wound treatment with antiseptic dressing was successful possible. Furthermore, the patients were followed up in our outpatient clinic., Results: A successful secondary wound closure was possible after on average 38.7 h and in 92% of the patients. 8% of patients required further surgical treatment. These patients presented with either an existing disease or a delayed presentation with initial antibiotic treatment. Antibiotic therapy was performed on an average for 8.7 days. Altogether for 85% of the 58 patients examined in our outpatient clinic the therapy could be terminated after 3 weeks with a full recovery of function of the injured hand and with full force measurements. The inability to work was on average 16 days., Discussion: The two-stage surgical treatment, with radical debridement and open wound dressing in our collective is an adequate treatment for infections of the hand. It is a safe procedure, that allows for combination with an antibiotic therapy by which a rapid restoration of function of the injured hand is possible., (© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.)