Repair of experimental high voltage electrical injuries

Repair methods for high voltage electrical injury were studied in 46 rats submitted to symmetrical bilateral hind limb electrical injuries using 1,600 V AC. Out of 40 hind limbs of the 40 rats which were treated with conservative debridement and flap coverage, 20 limbs repaired prior to the 48th post-injury hour obtained a good appearance and functions, the rest operated after the 4th post-injury day showed partial or complete disability. Forty contralateral limbs served as controls, including 20 hind limbs grafted with mesh-grafts which recently necrotized and 20 of them debrided thoroughly resulting in substantial loss of tissue, showed disabling effects. The investigation suggested that a better appearance and functions in such injuries would be obtained if using the technique of immediate conservative debridement and flap coverage.