A contracture results when scar tissue causes an otherwise normal joint to remain fixed resulting in a lack of motion. In contracture, movable parts of the extremities usually become fixed in nonfunctioning positions resulting in a shortening of the involved muscle and tendons. Debridement Removal of eschar or tissue destroyed by the burn injury.

The area of the body from which a skin graft is taken. It heals within 7-14 days and is often painful to the patient.

A local or generalized condition in which the body tissues contain an excessive amount of tissue fluid. 

The growth of new skin over a wound. 

Dead skin.

An incision made through the eschar in the third degree burn which relieves pressure and increases the flow of blood.

Tube inserted into the bladder to drain urine.

Enlargement or overgrowth of scar tissue.

Catheter inserted into a vein for administration of special fluid or medicines.

Special tight elastic clothing which applies constant and equal pressure over a healed burn to help prevent overgrowth of scar tissue.

Tube inserted through the nose into the stomach. Empties the contents of the stomach and allows the stomach to rest.

Range of motion exercises. Having the patient move his or her arms and legs through motions, which are designed to maintain or increase function of the joints when arms and legs are burned.

Autograft is a graft of the patients own skin taken from unburned areas of the body and transplanted to burned areas.

Homograft is another humans skin, from cadaver, used as a temporary dressing.

Zenograft is animal skin (usually pig skin).

A device applied to a patient to help prevent contractures.

Total Body Surface Area.

These feedings are used when the patient cannot or will not eat. The feedings are administered through the nasogastric tube directly into the stomach or intestine to provide needed food energy for healing.

A machine that puts air into the lungs. The machine breaths for the patient.

The daily bath given in the hydotherapy room designed to remove eschar, help prevent infection, promote healing, and allow the patient to exercise under water.