zone of stasis

Last reviewed 01/2018

The zone of stasis is an area surrounding the zone of coagulative necrosis where cellular damage is less severe. This area has a diminished blood supply that may be further compromised by excessive local production of inflammatory mediators. Hence, a burn that initially is assessed as partial thickness may progress to full-thickness with time. Modern burn management aims to push this dynamic process in a more favourable direction by:

  • restoring tissue perfusion with adequate volume replacement
  • early excision and skin grafting of necrotic skin with reduced production of inflammatory mediators