Electric burn has been increasing in accordance with indutry development. Electric burn is deep burn in comparison with thermal burn and tissue damage is great due to progressive tissue necrosis. Therefore treatment modality should be changed.
Entrance site and output site of electric burn are usually extremities. So treatment basis should be established as maximum preservation of function and rehabilitation. Author report 8 representative cases of electric burn and evoke some problems of treatment. The followings should be taken into deliberation:
1. When the tendons or vessels are exposed after debriment, immediate coverage is controversial. Electric burn wound is progressively necrotized even though looking healthy. And beneath the wound covered with flap, infection can be accalerated. In opposition to above, open wound can accelerate tendons and nerves macerate. And author think it is a best way, in this condition, to cover with well vascularized island muscle flap for suppression of infection and resuscitation of failing tissue.
2. Local flap should not be used, if possible, due to it’s poor vascularity.
3. Free flap can be adopted in special circumstances because of vascular damage of electric burn wound.
4. Amputation stump site should be stable to weight and amputation level should be considered in accordance with functional rehabilitation, with all efforts, using myocutaneous or fasciocutaneous flap.
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