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Functional Reconstruction following Electrical Injury
Author(s) -
ORGILL DENNIS P.,
PRIBAZ JULIAN J.
Publication year - 1999
Publication title -
annals of the new york academy of sciences
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.712
H-Index - 248
eISSN - 1749-6632
pISSN - 0077-8923
DOI - 10.1111/j.1749-6632.1999.tb07945.x
Subject(s) - medicine , electrical injuries , rehabilitation , reconstructive surgery , physical medicine and rehabilitation , intensive care medicine , surgery , physical therapy , injury prevention , medical emergency , poison control
Worldwide, high voltage electrical injury continues to cause significant morbidity, disability, and mortality despite improvements in electrical safety. Joule heating and cell membrane disruption are two mechanisms important in understanding the pathophysiology of electrical injury. The degree of tissue damage is often more extensive than initially perceived on clinical exam. Using modern reconstructive techniques, the functional outcome of electrical injury victims can be improved. The type of reconstruction selected for each injury can be selected from a number of options from the reconstructive ladder. Donor site considerations, risks of the surgery, team experience, and patient preference are important factors in this selection.