The assessment of pain with muscle tone and elasticity in different burn types

This study was aimed to assess pain with muscle tone and elasticity in different type of burn. A total of 37 patients, 10 woman (27%) and 27 men (73%), with the ages ranging between 18 and 65 were involved in this study. The patients were classified into three groups as flame (n = 15), electrical (n = 10) and scald (n = 12) from burn clinic in Turkish Republic Ministry of Health 25 Aralık Government Hospital. Patiens were assessed in the first day following hospitalization, 3rd day and 6th week of wound care and the datas were recorded. Demographic characteristics of patiens were collected at the beginning of the study. In the areas affected by burns, muscle tone, stiffness and elasticity, pain intensity, range of motion and muscle circumference measurements were performed. When the burned areas were evaluated, it was found that the arm and forearm were the most affected areas while the foot-ankle was the least affected area. Total body surface area was effected in flame and electricity groups (31% and 32%, respectively) were found similar but higher compare to scalds burns (17%) (p<0.05). The severity of pain in flame and electrical burns was found similar but higher than scald burns at the beginning of study (p<0.05). The severity of pain was similar in third week (p>0.05). During this time, the pain decreased in electrical and scald burns (p<0.05) while did not change in flame burn (p>0.05). The right and left arm circumferential measurements in the flame and electricity burn groups were found similar and lover than scald burn group in the beginning and the third week of the study (p<0.05) but decreased in all groups toward third week (p<0.05). All other circumferential measurements were found similar (p>0.05). Muscle tone, stiffness and elasticity and range of motion were found similar at the beginning and the end of the study (p>0.05). During this time period muscle tone and stiffness in the differen type burn groups decreased (p<0.05), elasticity was not change (p>0.05). The range of motion limitations were observed in all groups (p<0.05). In conclusion, the different applications are need for pain manangement of flame burn; muscle tone and elasticity should be increased, and try to prevet joint limitations at early stages in major burns and rehabilitation programs may reorganized for these aims. Keywords: Burn, musculus, pain, viscoelasticity