Prevalence of Post-Burn Contractures and Their Impact on Functional Activities among Burn Survivors: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Burn injuries frequently result in long-term complications that impair functional recovery, with post-burn contractures representing one of the most disabling sequelae. Contractures cause restriction of joint range of motion and can substantially limit activities of daily living and overall quality of life among burn survivors. Objective: To determine the prevalence of post-burn contractures and evaluate their association with functional activities among adult burn survivors attending a tertiary burn rehabilitation center. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 100 adult burn survivors aged 18–50 years with healed burns sustained at least six months prior. Contractures were assessed using goniometric measurement of passive joint range of motion and classified as mild (<25% ROM loss), moderate (25–50%), or severe (>50%). Functional status was evaluated using the Burn Specific Health Scale–Brief (BSHS-B). Descriptive statistics summarized clinical characteristics, and associations between contracture severity and functional outcomes were analyzed using Spearman correlation. Results: Post-burn contractures were identified in 65% of participants. Upper limbs were the most frequently affected region (45%), followed by lower limbs (30%), neck (20%), and trunk (10%). Functional scores progressively decreased with increasing contracture severity: none (78 ± 5.2), mild (70 ± 6.0), moderate (62 ± 5.5), and severe (52 ± 6.3). A significant negative correlation was observed between contracture severity and BSHS-B score (r = –0.62, p < 0.001). Conclusion: Post-burn contractures are common among burn survivors and are strongly associated with functional impairment. Early identification and targeted rehabilitation strategies are essential to reduce disability and improve long-term outcomes.