Name of the Condition

• Burn of Third Degree of Lower Back, Sequela
• Also referred to as a third-degree burn of the lower back or full-thickness burn of the back.

Summary

• This condition involves the long-term consequences (sequelae) of a third-degree burn injury to the lower back. Third-degree burns are severe burns that damage all layers of the skin and can affect underlying tissues, leading to complications such as scarring and reduced mobility.

Causes

• Typically caused by prolonged exposure to heat sources such as fire, hot liquids, or chemical burns. Sometimes caused by electrical or radiant burns.

Risk Factors

• Poor workplace safety standards, especially in industries dealing with high heat.
• Lack of safety equipment or measures in the home.
• Inadequate supervision of children around potential burn hazards.

Symptoms

• Scarring on the lower back, potential loss of sensation in the affected area.
• Reduced flexibility or mobility due to skin contracture.
• Chronic pain or discomfort, itching, or hypersensitivity in the scarred area.

Diagnosis

• Physical examination focusing on the appearance and characteristics of the burn scars.
• Assessment of mobility impact or complications from scarring.
• Medical history to understand the original burn injury and subsequent healing process.

Treatment Options

• Surgical interventions such as skin grafting or reconstructive surgery to improve function and appearance.
• Physical therapy to enhance mobility and flexibility.
• Pain management strategies, including medications or topical treatments.

Prognosis and Follow-Up

• Recovery from sequelae depends on the severity of the burn and effectiveness of initial treatments.
• Lifelong monitoring may be necessary to manage complications and maintain function.
• Regular follow-up with medical professionals to adapt treatments as needed.

Complications

• Severe scarring leading to restricted movement.
• Possible psychological impact due to visible scarring or chronic pain.
• Risk of infection or breakdown of scar tissue requiring further medical intervention.

Lifestyle & Prevention

• Ensuring safe environments to prevent future burns.
• Adhering to recommendations for skin care to avoid aggravating scar tissue.
• Incorporating regular physical exercise to maintain flexibility.

When to Seek Professional Help

• Persistent pain or new symptoms developing in the scarred area.
• Difficulty performing everyday tasks due to stiffness or pain.
• Signs of infection such as redness, swelling, or pus around scar tissue.

Additional Resources

• American Burn Association for resources on burn recovery and support.
• Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors for community support and information.

Tips for Medical Coders

• Ensure proper use of the seventh character "S" to indicate sequela.
• Verify that the documentation clearly states the condition is a sequela of a previous burn injury.
• Avoid confusion with acute burns or other types of thermal injuries by confirming with medical records.