The management of electrical burn

Aim of treatment is to achieve skin cover to prevent infection and to allow early mobilization. Electrical injuries are a relatively uncommon. Adult electrical injuries usually occur as an occupational hazard, whereas children are primarily injured accidently. The spectrum of electrical injury is very broad, ranging from minimal injury to severe multiorgan involvement, with both occult and delayed complications and death. This is a prospective study from Indira Gandhi Government Medical College, Nagpur. A total of 98 patients presenting from June 2002 to September 2011 were included. Patients were treated with surgical excision 31 (31.63 %), fasciotomy 26 (26.53 %), escharotomy 87 (88.78 %), and amputation 12 (12.24 %). In all patients debridement was performed. After follow-up, there was 8.16 % (8 patients) mortality. Minimal mortality may be due to less surface area involved or no visceral injury. Patients survived with morbidity due to amputation. Initial management of electrical burn is imperative to optimize function and minimize long-term scarring. However, further studies are required regarding flap repair and microsurgery to minimize the rate of amputation.