Post-Burn Contractures: Causes, Diagnosis & Release Surgery
A clear guide to post-burn contractures, covering how scar tightening limits movement and the surgery that restores mobility.
Treatment usually begins with
Specialist Consultation
Physiotherapy & Splinting
Contracture Release Surgery
Mild contractures may respond to physiotherapy and splinting, while established contractures usually need surgical release.
You may need this evaluated if...
A contracture evaluation is recommended when these signs appear:
- Tight, restrictive scarring after a healed burn
- Difficulty fully straightening or bending a joint
- Scar bands pulling the skin near a joint
- Reduced ability to perform daily tasks due to restricted movement
Post-burn contractures are a well-recognised complication of healed burns, and surgical release reliably restores useful movement.
What is Post-Burn Contractures?
A post-burn contracture develops when scar tissue from a healed burn tightens and pulls on the skin and underlying tissue, restricting movement of a nearby joint.
Develops After Healing
Contractures typically form weeks to months after a burn wound has closed.
Common Over Joints
Areas like the neck, armpit, elbow and hand are especially prone to contracture.
Surgery Restores Movement
Release surgery combined with skin grafting or flaps reliably improves range of motion.
Prevention Matters
Early splinting and physiotherapy after a burn reduce the risk of severe contracture.
Common Signs
- Visible tight or raised scar bands
- Limited joint movement
- Skin pulling or puckering near a joint
- Difficulty with daily activities requiring full movement
What Increases Your Risk
A combination of medical, genetic and lifestyle factors can increase the likelihood of this condition.
How It Is Diagnosed
A detailed clinical examination confirms the diagnosis and helps plan the right reconstructive or aesthetic approach.
Clinical Examination
Assesses the extent of scar tightening and its effect on joint movement.
Range-of-Motion Assessment
Measures how much movement is restricted at the affected joint.
Photographic Documentation
Helps plan and track the outcome of reconstructive surgery.
Treatment Approaches
Conservative Care
- Structured physiotherapy and stretching
- Pressure garments and silicone sheeting for scar management
- Splinting to maintain joint position
Surgical Care
Contracture release surgery frees the tight scar tissue, with skin grafting or local flaps used to cover the resulting defect and maintain the corrected position.
Treatment decisions are based on the extent of the condition, your goals and overall health, not a single test.
Know When to Act
Recognising these signs early and acting promptly leads to better functional and aesthetic outcomes.
Book an Assessment
Schedule a consultation for a routine evaluation or ongoing concern.
- Reduced joint movement after a healed burn
- Scar tightness affecting daily function
Seek Urgent Care
Reach out for emergency care immediately if you notice any of the following.
- Sudden loss of blood flow or sensation to a limb
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