Electrical Burns: A Special Type of Burn Injury

Abstract

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: Electric burn injuries are one of the most devastating types of trauma. Compared with other skin burns, electric burn injuries are more complex and associated with higher morbidity and mortality. The trauma resembles an iceberg; the burn is not only related to skin or deep tissues but has serious systemic hazardous effects to the body, which cause other associated complications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively examined medical records to review electric burns treated at Baskent University Hospital burn centers across Türkiye between January 2008 and October 2023. We reviewed 361 electric burn injuries. We analyzed patient demographic characteristics, epidemiology of the injury, mechanism of injury, size and depth of burn, treatment methods associated with electrical burns, and complications. RESULTS: Of 361 patients, 88% were male patients, and most damage was caused by high voltage (76%). Many accidents occurred at work (48%) but 19% occurred at home. Many accidents occurred in summer and spring (60%). Mean age, percent total body surface area, hospitalization time, creatine phosphokinase, and myoglobulin were 28.9 years (range, 2-89 y), 21.1%, 25.5 days, 8722 U/L, and 1924 ng/mL, respectively. Percentages of debridement, grafting, fasciotomy, amputation, and flaps were 62.2%, 54.6%, 33.7%, 15.1%, and 14.2%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Public education and governmental legislation are important for preventing work-related accidents. Coexisting traumas have to be considered in this type of injury. Resuscitation is important at the beginning of treatment. Early fasciotomy can prevent limb salvage or can prevent extensive amputations. After resuscitation, early debridement and reconstruction via grafting or flaps are important. Physiotherapy is crucial after reconstruction.