enzymatic debridement agent
Topical enzyme preparation that selectively dissolves necrotic tissue while preserving viable structures.
burn scar contracture
Abnormal tightening of scar tissue that restricts normal movement and function.
burn scar maturation
The natural healing process by which burn scars evolve over months to years, becoming softer, flatter, and less symptoma...
burn shock
Hypovolemic shock resulting from massive fluid loss through burned skin surfaces.
burn shock protocol
Standardized clinical pathway for managing circulatory failure and fluid imbalance in major burn patients.
burn unit admission criteria
Standardized guidelines defining which burn patients require specialized burn center care versus local hospital treatmen...
burn unit triage criteria
Standardized guidelines determining which burn patients require specialized burn center care versus local hospital manag...
burn wound bioburden
The total microbial load present in a burn wound, typically measured as colony-forming units per gram of tissue.
burn wound conversion
The progression of a partial-thickness burn to a deeper, full-thickness injury due to infection, desiccation, or other c...
burn wound excision
Surgical removal of burned tissue to prepare the wound bed for closure or grafting.
calorie requirements
Dramatically increased energy needs of burn patients due to hypermetabolic response to injury.
carbon monoxide poisoning
Systemic toxicity from carbon monoxide inhalation, often accompanying burn injuries in enclosed fires.
catastrophic burn
Extremely severe burn injury with poor prognosis, typically involving >80% TBSA or critical anatomical areas.
CEA
Cultured Epithelial Autograft - laboratory-grown skin cells from the patient's own tissue used for burn wound coverage.
cerium nitrate
Topical antimicrobial agent used in combination with silver sulfadiazine for severe burn treatment.
circumferential burn
Burn injury completely encircling an extremity or body part, potentially compromising circulation.
compartment syndrome
Dangerous condition where tissue swelling increases pressure within muscle compartments, requiring emergency treatment.
compression therapy
The application of controlled pressure to healing burn wounds and scars to minimize scarring.
contracture
Permanent shortening of tissues causing joint deformity and loss of range of motion.
cross-contamination protocol
Strict infection control procedures in burn units to prevent transmission of multidrug-resistant organisms between patie...
cultured dermal substitute
Laboratory-grown dermal tissue components used to replace damaged dermis in extensive burn injuries.
cultured epithelial autograft
Laboratory-grown skin cells from patient's own tissue used to cover large burn wounds.
cultured skin
Laboratory-grown skin cells used as grafts for large burn wounds when donor sites are limited.
debridement
Surgical or non-surgical removal of dead, damaged, or infected tissue from burn wounds.
dermabrasion
Surgical procedure to smooth burn scars by mechanically removing superficial skin layers.