Abstract
A patient with a minor superficial and deep partial thickness burn to his distal dorsolateral surface of his right foot, including all five toes, was seen for physical therapy treatment for 8 sessions from 6/22/15 to 8/16/15 at an outpatient physical therapy clinic affiliated with a hospital. Treatment was provided by a student physical therapist under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist. The patient was evaluated at the initial encounter with determination of total body surface area affected, clinical observation, photographic documentation, and a plan of care was established. Following re-epithelialization, the Patient Observer Scar Assessment Scale was administered to monitor post-burn scarring. Also, at the conclusion of treatment, quality of life post-burn was measured using the Burn Specific Health Scale – Brief. Main goals for the patient were to achieve granulation and re-epithelialization of burned integument, improve active and passive range of motion of involved joints, and return to work with no restrictions. Main interventions used were sharp debridement, silver-based burn dressings, patient education for scar management, and silicone padding with compression. The patient’s burned area achieved 100% re-epithelialization, improved range of motion, displayed minimal hypertrophic scarring, and returned to work. The patient was discharged to home with a home exercise program, which addressed further scar management, and no follow up services.