Acute Burns

Abstract
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: After studying this article, the participant should be able to: 1. Describe the pathophysiology of burn injury. 2. Calculate burn size and resuscitation requirements and predict survival. 3. Treat inhalation injury. 4. Describe preoperative selection, intraoperative procedures, and postoperative protocols for patients who require surgical care for their burn injuries. 5. Know the survival and functional outcomes of burn injury. Burn injuries are complex cutaneous traumas cared for by many plastic surgeons. Care is stratified by burn size, depth, and associated injuries. Advances in surgical technique, wound care, and bioengineered skin have resulted in excellent outcomes for most burn survivors. Moderate burn injuries can be treated effectively by an interested and experienced plastic surgeon. (Plast. Reconstr. Surg. 105: 2482, 2000.)