[Electrical burns of the upper limbs]

During a period of 27 months, between 1991 and 1993, 15 patients with upper limb lesions caused by electrical hazards were admitted in the Burn Emergency Service of the Hospital das Clinicas-FMUSP. This lesion is usually a dramatic condition and requires a sound physiopathologic knowledge by the surgeon. These accidents may have permanent incapacitating sequelae, and due to long periods of treatment (2 months), social-economic costs are very high. Based on our experience, we suggest a less aggressive approach (no amputation at emergency), and a close continuous surveillance.