Investigations

Investigations which are useful in the assessment of a full thickness, circumferential burn include:

• assessment of distal pulses with a doppler ultrasound device; digital pulses may be the only ones accessible
• pulse oximeter reading: not entirely reliable due to vasoconstriction, but SaO2 values of less than 95% are suspicious of underperfusion
• pin prick bleeding:
  • bright red flow indicates adequate perfusion
  • rapid dark flow indicates venous obstruction
  • sluggish bright red flow indicates inadequate arterial obstuction
• compartment pressures