Citation

Esses SI, Peters WJ. Can. J. Surg. 1981; 24(1): 11-14.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1981, Canadian Medical Association)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

7459729

Abstract

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.

Language: en