Rehabilitation following electrical injury to the upper extremity

This review emphasizes two of the difficult problems associated with electrical injury to the hand and forearm. Early wound closure to preserve important vascular, nerve, and tendon structures in the hand must be considered, recognizing the tendency for continued necrosis of tissue in this type of injury. Tissue fibrosis, even in areas of the hand not grossly injured, may develop, progressively compromising function. Five patients are presented to illustrate the early care and rehabilitation of these patients.