Oral electrical burns in children-a model of multidisciplinary care

Electrical burns of the mouth are the most common electrical injury in children and can have serious, long-term functional and aesthetic consequences. Presented is a review of the pathogenesis of the associated injury and sequelae, as well as a case report. In the presented case, a multidisciplinary approach was used with input from pediatric dentistry, plastic/burn surgery, and oral and maxillofacial surgery. This collaborative effort and a novel microstomia prevention device produced a superior functional and aesthetic result. Without the aid of a microstomia device, the resultant contracture and associated functional deficits are difficult to release and reconstruct. Thus, proper timing and sequencing of treatment is critical.