Journal of Trauma and Injury

Similarities and differences between lightning and electrical injuries: a case report: Yi Liu, Zosimo Ken L. Jimeno, Wan Azman Wan Sulaiman; Received October 18, 2024 Accepted December 23, 2024 Published online March 25, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.20408/jti.2024.0067 [Epub ahead of print]

Abstract PDF: Exposure to electrical current, whether through accidental contact in residential or industrial settings or via lightning strikes, represents a serious global health concern. Although numerous studies have been published on the differences between electrical and lightning injuries, they are often discussed together due to the similarities in their clinical presentations, management approaches, and outcomes. The question of whether electrical and lightning injuries should be studied together remains a matter of debate. Here, we present two cases: one of a lightning injury and another of an electrical injury. Our discussion aims to improve the understanding of lightning and electrical injuries as distinct entities. Vigorous resuscitative measures are recommended and given the complexity of electrical and lightning injuries and their long-term sequelae, patients should be managed in a multidisciplinary burn center. Furthermore, the knowledge and awareness of the general population must be improved to reduce the incidence of such injuries.; Summary

A step-by-step intraoperative strategy during one-stage reconstruction of an acute electrical burn injury in the neck for superior surgical outcome in India: a case report: Mainak Mallik, Sanjay Kumar Giri, M. Vishnu Swaroop Reddy, Kallol Kumar Das Poddar; J Trauma Inj. 2024;37(2):151-157. Published online May 17, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.20408/jti.2023.0075

Abstract PDF: Electrical burn injuries can cause more damage than clinical evaluations initially suggest. The energy waves penetrate from the surface to the deepest layers of tissue, causing extensive harm at every level. The neck is a critical area, both functionally and aesthetically. We present a case involving a young male patient with a severe fourth-degree electrical burn on the neck, who underwent a single-stage debridement and reconstructive surgery. The pectoralis major myocutaneous flap is a versatile option for various head and neck reconstructions. However, if the donor site cannot be closed primarily and requires split-thickness skin grafting, it can result in unsightly scars and deformities. For large flap paddles, it is ideal to reconstruct the secondary defect with locoregional flaps. In this case, we successfully reconstructed the donor site's secondary defect using a contralateral internal mammary artery perforator flap, without resorting to any skin grafts. The early postoperative results demonstrated satisfactory cosmesis, patient satisfaction, and functional outcomes.; Summary

Expediting venous drainage in large anterolateral thigh flaps for scalp electrical burns in India: two case reports on the use of primary vein grafts for second vein anastomosis: Jyotica Jagadish Chawaria, Parvati Ravula, Nazia Tabassum, Srikanth Rangachari; J Trauma Inj. 2023;36(4):404-410. Published online November 30, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.20408/jti.2023.0054

Abstract PDF: Large scalp defects resulting from high-voltage electrical burns require free flaps, preferably skin, to permit optimal coverage and enable future or simultaneous cranial vault reconstruction. The anterolateral thigh permits the harvest of a large area of skin supplied by a reliable perforator. The superficial temporal vessels offer the proximate choice of recipient vessels to enable adequate reach and coverage. The lack of a second vein at this site implies the inability to perform a second venous anastomosis; however, this obstacle can be overcome by using an interposition vein graft, to the neck veins primarily. This assures adequate venous drainage and complete flap survival.; Summary

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