Via Research Recognition Day Program VCOM-Carolinas 2025

Case Reports

Positive Impact of Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT) in Electrical Burn Care Bethany Powers, DO 1 , Cheryl Monson, RN/BSN 2 , Christian Weeks, OMS-II 1 , Paula Lisazo, OMS-II 1 , Lisa Carroll, MD 1 . 1. Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM), Dept. of Family Medicine, Spartanburg, South Carolina. 2. St. Luke’s Free Medical Clinic, Spartanburg, South Carolina.

Introduction

Results

Discussion

References The patient’s self -reported pain decreased after 5 OMT sessions over a two-month period, with measurable improvement in function as determined by musical instrument usage (Figure 4). Utilizing OMT in the treatment plan for electrical burn-induced somatic dysfunctions is not well-documented. Limitations of case report includes confounding variables such as the use of sutures and antimicrobial bandaging, which likely played a significant role in wound healing. Conclusions OMT can potentially be a powerful tool to encourage the healing process and the reduction of pain associated with an electrical burn injury. It is not known whether consistent and/or continued OMT would have alleviated the patient’s carpal tunnel -like symptoms. Further research is necessary to determine if OMT as a supplemental intervention, along with the standard of care for burns, would provide a net benefit to patients in general. 1. Bounds EJ, Khan M, Kok SJ. Electrical Burns. [Updated 2023 Apr 24]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK519514/ 2. Kilgore, Teresa, Malia, Marilyn, Di Giacinto, Brian, Minter, Stephanie and Samies, John. Journal of Osteopathic Medicine , vol. 118, no. 12, 2018, pp. 798-805. https://doi.org/10.7556/jaoa.2018.172 3. Cao TV, Hicks MR, Zein-Hammoud M, Standley PR. Duration and magnitude of myofascial release in 3-dimensional bioengineered tendons: effects on wound healing. J Am Osteopath Assoc . 2015;115(2):72-82. doi:10.7556/jaoa.2015.018 4. P.C. Leung, Margaret Ng, Pressure treatment for hypertrophic scars resulting from burns, Burns, Volume 6, Issue 4, 1980, Pages 244-250, ISSN 0305-4179, https://doi.org/10.1016/S0305-4179(80)80007-6

Methods A 44-year-old male patient presented the emergency department with an electrical burn injury to his non-dominant left hand. The injury had clear entrance and exit wounds along the medial aspect of the palm. Notably, electricity typically exits the body through the feet (1). An electrocardiogram (ECG) was conducted and did not indicate any cardiac arrhythmias or signs of conduction abnormalities caused by the electrical burn. The patient was treated and followed up at the local free clinic on day 5. At that time, the patient reported pain in the palmar wrist region as well as the first and second digits of the affected hand. Physical exam demonstrated limited wrist, forearm, and hand range of motion and tenderness to his hand and wrist. He was unable to perform his daily activities as an AC repairman and playing the keyboard. Treatment began with Osteopathic Manipulative Treatments (OMT), which was deemed to be a potentially useful adjunctive intervention in addition to advanced wound care to promote healing by reducing soreness , increase mobility and strength, and enhancing lymph drainage (2). One study has previously suggested that techniques like myofascial release (MFR) can affect wound healing by modifying the extracellular matrix (3), and similar strategies have shown effectiveness in patients with burn wounds (4). Somatic dysfunctions noted: • Thoracic Spine: T7 FRlSl, T9 ERrSr • Lumbar Spine: L2 FRlSl • Upper Extremities: Fascial restrictions in forearms bilaterally, limited ROM in wrist L>R Techniques used: • MFR of the thoracic inlet, MFR of the affected forearm and interosseous membrane • Muscle energy of the left wrist. soft tissue methods, and seated muscle energy of the lumbar spine • Texas twist technique for the thoracic spine and modified opponens roll maneuver.

Figure 2* . 7 weeks and 6 days after photo from Figure 1. Wound healing is evident. Figure 3* . 7 weeks and 6 days after photo from Figure 1. Wound healing is evident. Figure 1* . Early presentation of entry/exit wounds on patient's left hand (both ulnar and palmar aspects shown). Approximately 5 days after the initial injury.

*All photos have been digitally altered to protect the patient's identity.

Acknowledgements

We would like to express our gratitude for Kristopher Schock, DO, and his robust efforts in caring for our patient. We also want to recognize the free clinic for providing the staff and space for the patient to be consulted with and treated.

Figure 4. Average Reported Duration of Musical Instrument Use Over Time (Post-Injury)

2025 Research Recognition Day

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