title: A baby with symmetrical hand injuries and rhabdomyolysis following nonfatal electrocution by an unusual mechanism.
abstract: Childhood electrical injuries are rare in the city of Hong Kong. We report the case of a 21-month boy with severe electrical injuries of both hands and explored underlying mechanism for the incident. Meticulous orthopedic repair and reconstruction ensures satisfactory cosmetic and functional outcomes. Our case concurs with the literature that young children may be predisposed to this mode of incident with their curious exploring hands. Despite regulations on electrical home safety standards, extension power boards can still pose a dangerous risk for severe morbidity in the household with young children. Prevention strategies often involve commonsense approach in home safety measures such as (1) use proper fuses in electrical boxes, (2) do not overload outlets, (3) use insulated and grounded electrical cords, (4) keep electrical cords away from a child's reach, and (5) cover electrical outlets so children will not stick items in the outlet.
authors.affiliation: Department of Paediatrics, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, Hong Kong. Electronic address: ehon@cuhk.edu.hk.
authors.forename: Kam Lun
authors.initials: KL
authors.lastname: Hon
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedics, Shatin, Hong Kong.
authors.forename: Wing Lim
authors.initials: WL
authors.lastname: Tse
authors.affiliation: Department of Paediatrics, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, Hong Kong.
authors.forename: Hon Ming
authors.initials: HM
authors.lastname: Cheung
authors.affiliation: University Safety Office, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong.
authors.forename: Sung Tat
authors.initials: ST
authors.lastname: Yip
authors.affiliation: Department of Paediatrics, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, Hong Kong.
authors.forename: Kam Lau
authors.initials: KL
authors.lastname: Cheung
authors.affiliation: Department of Paediatrics, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, Hong Kong.
authors.forename: William
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Wong
mesh_terms: D000061:Accidents, Home; D002058:Burns, Electric / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery*; D004556:Electric Injuries / Q000150:complications; D006230:Hand Injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D006794:Household Articles; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D012206:Rhabdomyolysis / Q000209:etiology*; D016038:Skin Transplantation
keywords: Child; Electrical injury; Extension power board; Hand; Prevention strategies