Positioning the patient to prevent deformity

Positioning the patient to prevent deformity

For each potential deformity listed below, you can use the corresponding positioning and interventions to help prevent the deformity.

Burned area	Potential deformity	Preventive positioning	Nursing interventions
Neck	Flexion contraction Extensor contraction	Extension Prone with head slightly raised	Remove pillow from bed. Place pillow under upper chest to flex cervical spine or apply cervical collar.
Elbow	Flexion and pronation	Arm extended and supinated	Use an elbow splint.
Wrist	Flexion	Splint in 15-degree extension	Apply a hand splint.
Fingers	Extension	Splint in 15-degree flexion	Apply a hand splint.
Hand	Adhesions of the extensor tendons; loss of palmar grip	Metacarpophalangeal joints in maximum flexion; interphalangeal joints in slight flexion; thumb in abduction	Apply a hand splint; wrap fingers separately.
Hip	Internal rotation, flexion, and adduction	Neutral rotation and abduction; maintain extension with prone position	Trochanter rolls Long leg splints Pillow under buttocks Foam wedge
Knee	Internal rotation, flexion, and adduction	Neutral rotation and abduction; maintain extension	Knee splint
Ankle	Flexion Plantar flexion	90-degree dorsiflexion	Use a footboard or ankle splint.