Hypertrophic burn scarring: control of chest deformities with a new device.

Despite the use of conventional therapeutic techniques, increasing kyphosis, chest restriction and worsening burn scar hypertrophy occurred in a 9-year-old boy with burn trauma. In an attempt to alleviate these problems a device consisting of a plastizote molded 2-piece body jacket which incorporates a full neck and chin conformer was fabricated. After the child had worn the device for approximately 6 1/2 months, shoulder and neck range of motion was full, chest expansion was normal for his age, and stature was fully erect.