Epidemiology, management and outcomes of paediatric upper limb friction injuries: A systematic review.

Abstract

Friction burns are a common paediatric injury that can result in significant morbidity and long-term disability. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the management and outcomes of these injuries. A protocol was developed a priori and registered on the PROSPERO database (CRD42022376782). A comprehensive search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL, CINAHL and trial registries was conducted to identify studies evaluating the management and outcomes of paediatric upper limb friction injuries. Primary outcome measures were healing time, functional outcomes, and the need for surgical intervention. Secondary outcomes included complications such as problematic scarring and cost. Twenty-two studies met the inclusion criteria, encompassing 842 paediatric patients with upper limb friction injuries, predominantly treadmill-related (95 %). Most injuries (58.7 %) were deep partial-thickness to full-thickness. Conservative management with dressings was the primary treatment in 70.4 % of cases, while 29.6 % underwent acute surgery, predominately full-thickness skin grafting followed by split-thickness skin grafting. Mean healing times ranged from 19.4 to 31.5 days. Problematic scarring affected 20.5 % of patients, with 38.3 % of this group undergoing further scar revision surgery. Functional outcomes were generally positive, with minimal long-term disability reported. Paediatric upper limb friction injuries, particularly those caused by treadmills, have typically been managed conservatively, with good functional outcomes. However, deeper injuries and delayed healing increase the risk of problematic scarring and need for scar revision surgery. Further research is needed to standardise treatment protocols and minimise long-term complications.