To prevent contractures in burn patients, which intervention is advised?

• A. Apply splints as prescribed
• B. Avoid any immobilization
• C. Massage aggressively
• D. Use continuous passive motion only in late rehab

Answer: (A)

Maintaining joint length and proper alignment during burn healing is essential to prevent scar contractures. Splints used as prescribed hold joints in a functional position, protecting healing tissue from shortening and guiding scar formation toward a more flexible length. This positioning support allows gradual, controlled range-of-motion work and helps preserve function as wounds mature.

Avoiding immobilization entirely isn’t appropriate because fragile grafts and donor sites need protection to heal properly. Aggressive massage early in the healing process can damage new tissue and increase infection risk, which doesn’t prevent contractures. Continuous passive motion has a role in maintaining range of motion, but it isn’t something that should be limited to late rehab; when prescribed, it supports early, ongoing ROM to minimize contracture risk.