Burns caused by electricity: A review of seventy cases

Abstract

Summary Seventy burns caused by electricity during the years 1951–55 are reviewed. Thirty-five of these were the result of contact alone, and twenty-two of contact combined with heat or flash. From this review the best treatment seems to be: Primary excision—in fit patients, combined with (1) free graft—if no deep tissues are exposed, using a thick split-skin graft or Wolfe graft for the flexor aspect of the hand; (2) flap—if tendon, joint, or bone are exposed; (3) amputation—when there is no reasonable chance of functional recovery (this is not likely except in high voltage injuries). The exceptions to this line of treatment are: (1) conservative treatment for the small burn which will heal within four weeks or which does not interfere with continuation of work; (2) late excision and grafting where intercurrent illness or late attendance precludes primary excision; (3) late grafting after separation of slough may be indicated in the poor an˦sthetic risk.