Electrical injuries, with special reference to the upper extremities. A review of 182 cases.
A twenty year experience in the management of 182 patients with electrical injuries has been reviewed. Males predominate. The average age is thirty-six years. Bodily contact with high tension wires by linemen constituted the most common accidents. High voltage injuries were sustained by 67% of patients. Burns were sustained by 74% of our cases and of these, 71% involved the upper extremities. Complications developed in three fourths of patients, and one third of patients suffered some degree of permanent disability. Mortality (2.1%) was largely due to septicemia, pneumonia, and renal failure. The wide variety of injuries necessitates individualization in treatment. Prevention offers greatest hope in management.
D000062:Accidents, Occupational; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001134:Arm Injuries / Q000628:therapy*; D002058:Burns, Electric / Q000145:classification / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy*; D002648:Child; D004556:Electric Injuries / Q000145:classification / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy*; D004560:Electricity; D000071938:Fasciotomy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009461:Neurologic Manifestations; D012151:Resuscitation; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000601:surgery