Salvage and reconstruction of electrical hand injuries

Electrical injury results in serious damage or amputation of the upper extremity in a significant percentage of survivors. Fourteen of sixteen patients with electrical injuries followed over a two and a half year period had major hand wounds. Careful wound assessment, management, and closure combined with appropriate reconstructive technics now available provide the greatest potential for restoration of satisfactory quality of life. Because these injuries are often of an industrial nature, occupational vigilance and prevention remain essential.