A nonsplinting approach to the care of the thermally injured patient.

The background and present elements of a nonsplinting approach to burn rehabilitation are presented. Traditionally most burned extremities were prophylactically splinted to prevent contracture, frequently resulting in patient dependence on the devices. Over the past 10 years a program of acute active exercise training, nonsplinting, independent activities of daily living, and ambulation was established for our burn patients to foster patient independence and responsibility. This program not only consists of the exercise protocols, but it also furthers patient and family education, only occasional intermittent use of splints for maintenance of achieved motion, and the use of antiburn scar supports. This approach has been a successful means of promoting increased patient compliance to physical therapy.