Electrical burns; pathophysiology and complications
Esses, S.I.; Peters, W.J.
Canadian Journal of Surgery. Journal Canadien de Chirurgie 24(1): 11-14
1981
ISSN/ISBN: 0008-428X PMID: 7459729 Document Number: 172242
The authors review the pathophysiology and complications of electrical injuries. Such injuries can be categorized into direct electrical injuries, arc burns and flame burns. Each has a distinct appearance and prognosis. Nine patients with electrical injuries were admitted to the Toronto General Hospital over the 5-year period 1973 to 1978. All were men and the average age was 33 years. Five patients required amputation. In one patient a convulsive disorder developed 3 weeks after injury. One patient demonstrated peripheral nerve injury with complete axonal lesions of the right median and ulnar nerves; there was progressive full return of nerve function over 12 months. Direct electrical injury to nerves is usually transient and return of function can be expected unless there has been a concomitant thermal or mechanical injury.