Preventable Burn Injury in a Person With Paraparesis Leading to Amputation: A Case Report

Cureus, 2025 · DOI: 10.7759/cureus.79526 · Published: February 23, 2025

Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation Dermatology

Simple Explanation

A 35-year-old man with a spinal cord injury developed sacral pressure sores. He later sustained a severe burn on his leg from a hot bike exhaust, which he didn't notice due to his impaired sensation. Despite treatment, the burn led to complications like neuropathic ulcer formation, Charcot arthropathy, and infection. These issues persisted for six months, leading to a below-knee amputation. This case emphasizes how critical early intervention, pressure injury awareness, and managing sensory deficits are in preventing complications such as infections and amputations in individuals with spinal cord injuries.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

Single 35-year-old male patient

Evidence Level

Level 4, Case Report

Key Findings

1
A preventable burn injury, compounded by impaired sensation and delayed recognition, led to complications that eventually necessitated a below-knee amputation.
2
The patient's right lower limb injury, caused by accidental contact with a hot bike exhaust, exemplifies how an unnoticed injury, due to impaired sensation, can evolve into a neuropathic ulcer and eventually Charcot arthropathy and secondary infection with osteomyelitis.
3
The progression of an unnoticed burn injury to chronic infection and eventual lower limb amputation highlights the critical role of patient education, sensory monitoring, and timely intervention.

Research Summary

This case report highlights the severe consequences of a preventable burn injury in a patient with paraparesis due to spinal cord injury, ultimately leading to amputation. The importance of early intervention, awareness of pressure injuries, and proactive management of sensory deficits are crucial in preventing secondary complications such as infections. Comprehensive rehabilitation, including structured awareness training, pressure injury prevention, and regular follow-up, is essential to mitigate such risks and improve patient outcomes.

Practical Implications

Enhanced Patient Education

Comprehensive education for SCI patients about sensory deficits and injury prevention is crucial.

Multidisciplinary Approach

Emphasizes the need for coordinated care involving physical medicine, rehabilitation, and surgical teams.

Timely Intervention

Highlights the importance of prompt medical attention to prevent minor injuries from escalating into severe complications.

Study Limitations

1
Single case report limits generalizability.
2
Burn injury occurred before patient presentation, limiting data on initial prevention efforts.
3
Reliance on patient history may introduce recall bias.

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