A Case-Matched Controlled Study on High-Voltage Electrical Injuries vs Thermal Burns

The aim of this study was to provide an increased level of evidence on surgical management of high-tension electrical injuries compared with thermal burns using a case-controlled study design. Sixty-eight patients (64 males, 4 females, aged 33.7 +/- 13 years) with high-tension electrical burns were matched for age, gender, and burnt extent with a cohort of patients sustaining thermal burns. Data were analyzed for cause of accident (occupational vs nonoccupational), concomitant injuries, extent of burn and burn depth, surgical management, complications, and hospital stay. High-tension electrical burn patients required an average of 5.2 +/- 4 operations (range, 1-23 operations) compared with 3.3 +/- 1.9 (range, 1-10 operations) after thermal burns (P = .0019). Amputation rates (19.7% vs 1.5%), escharotomy/fasciotomy rates (47% vs 21%), and total hospitalization days (44 d vs 32 d) were significantly higher in high-tension electrical injuries (P < .05). Creatinine kinase levels were significantly elevated during the first 2 days in patients with subsequent amputations. Free flap failure was observed during the first 4 weeks after the trauma, whereas no flap failure occurred at later stages. Local, pedicled, and distant flaps were used in 15% of the patients. The mortality in both groups was 13.2% vs 11%, respectively (nonsignificant). High-voltage electrical injury remains a complex surgical challenge. When performing free flap coverage, caution must be taken for a vulnerable phase lasting up to 4 weeks after the trauma. This phase is likely the result of a progressive intima lesion, potentially hazardous to microvascular reconstruction. The use of pedicle flaps may resemble an alternative to free flaps during this period.