Patient name:Ruben

Mechanism of burn:Open Flame

Age:6 Years

Total body surface area involved:22%

Almost exactly one year ago, 5-year old Ruben was running around an open fire with several other children around his hut in Mnthawanthu village.  Ruben was curious and bold, perhaps more strong minded than his friends, but on this day his strength cannot stop a near fatal injury.  His shirt became engulfed in flames.  Over 20% of his small body was covered with 2nd and 3rd degree burns.  He made it to Nkhoma Hospital and was provided with proper wound care and surgical intervention.  Sadly, despite charitable hospital care offered by ABR, the family was unable to return for routine follow up care.  He began to scar abnormally without proper physical therapy and long term splinting.

One year later, the ABR team arrived to triage old and new patients.  Ruben arrived terrified to see our team.  He had lost all mobility in his right arm.  Without surgical intervention, the bones of his arm would have be stunted.  At the young age of 6, strong-minded Ruben was considered handicapped.  Fortunately, his protective grandmother, agreed to stay for his entire course of reconstructive treatment.

Ruben underwent a complex 3-hour operation to rearrange healthy tissue into the area that was once a thick scar in his arm.  Ruben continued to improve since his surgery, working with a physical therapist to straighten his arm in a series of arm casts. 

Approximately 2 months since his operation, Ruben was now able to completely extend his arm.  He continues to require strengthening exercises, and since his discharge his grandmother has ensured that he be enrolled in school and not miss any school time despite being in the heavy cast.

2009

Initial Presentation

Post Op: Final

Casting by Physical Therapist