[Primary treatment of electric burns in children (author's transl)]

Electric burns in children should be given early operative treatment, especially when the bone is involved. 14 cases of children with electric burns on 33 fingers are reported. They were constantly checked over more than eight years. 11 out of 17 primarily conservatively treated fingers had to be operated on secondarily. 12 of these showed good function at the end of treatment, 5 were deformed. Of the 16 operated children, 10 had involvement of the bone. Function was good in all 16 fingers. In all we found no essential changes in the bones, but one slowing of growth. The necessity for early fasciotomy, or even amputation, in the case of extensive muscle necroses, is mentioned.