Assessment of Quality of Life and Range of Motion of Lower Extremity in Chronic Burn Patients

Abstract

Background: A burn is defined as a wound caused by an exogenous agent leading to coagulative necrosis of tissue. The burn injury represents an assault on all aspects of patients, from physical to psychological. Contractures are problematic scar formations, causing a limited range of motion (ROM) of a joint. They can be disfiguring, severely limit joint function, and may have a substantial impact on quality of life (QoL). The study aimed to assess the quality of life and to assess the range of motion to check how a range of motion impacts the quality of life in post-burn patients. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was performed using demographic data, a Health questionnaire (EQ-5D-5L), and a manual tool goniometer for a range of motion to find out how quality of life is affected among the post-burn patients of involved lower extremity in the Burn Center, PIMS Islamabad. The study participants were post-burn patients aged between 15 and 45 years. Data collection tools used were a health questionnaire (EQ-5D-5L) and a goniometer for assessing the range of motion of the affected part. Data collected was analyzed via SPSS version 26 in terms of descriptive analysis using frequency tables, pie charts, and clustered bar charts. Results: The study at Burn Center PIMS examined the causes, severity, and impact of burns on patients' quality of life (QOL). Flame burns were the most common, and second-degree burns were predominant, with most cases being minor. Burns typically involved ≤10% total burn surface area (TBSA), with limbs frequently affected. The EQ-5D-5L scale revealed significant issues in mobility, self-care, usual activities, pain, and anxiety, with burn severity having a significant negative correlation with QOL (β = -0.561, R² = 0.314, p = 0.000). Most participants rated their health as "Best" or "Better." Range of motion (ROM) analysis showed significant limitations in hip joint movements, particularly in flexion, external rotation, and abduction, underscoring the need for targeted rehabilitation strategies. Conclusion: The study concludes that burn injuries are significantly adversely associated with patients' quality of life, with higher burn severity associated with greater challenges in mobility, self-care, usual activities, pain, and anxiety. The findings emphasize the importance of comprehensive burn care that addresses both physical and psychological aspects, including targeted rehabilitation to improve range of motion and overall recovery. These insights underscore the need for holistic approaches to burn management to enhance patients' long-term outcomes and well-being.