When splinting a person with full-thickness facial and anterior neck burns, in what position should the neck be splinted?

When splinting a person with full-thickness facial and anterior neck burns, the neck should be splinted in extension. This position is crucial because it helps maintain the alignment and function of the cervical spine while preventing contractures and promoting optimal healing of the burned areas.

Extension positioning helps to keep the airway open and decreases the risk of complications such as airway obstruction, which is particularly important in cases of facial burns where swelling can occur. By keeping the neck in an extended position, the splint also supports proper skin healing and minimizes tension on the burned tissues, which could otherwise lead to scarring and functional limitations as they heal.

In contrast, other positions like flexion or lateral rotation can increase the risk of creating contractures or misalignment during the healing process. Flexion, for example, could encourage tissue shortening and lead to functional impairments when the patient recovers. Therefore, splinting in extension is considered best practice for managing burns in these areas.