Electric Burns Injuries of Head and Neck Region: A Retrospective Study

Introduction: Electric burn patients are increasing every day with increasing use of importance of electricity. This is more common in semi-urban and rural areas where the people are less aware regarding the safety of electrical burns in contrast to develop countries. Aim & Objectives: To assess the incidence of electric burn injuries in head and neck area and enforce strict laws and create public awareness to prevent the same. Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis was done in our Department of General Surgery from March 2010 to March 2013 with 113 patients affected with burns. Out of them, 89 patients had electric burns with rest of them being chemical, thermal and other burns. Out of 89 patients, 51 patients had electric burns of head and neck region that were included in the study. Results: Electric burns injuries involving head and neck region was seen in 61.4% of total victims. The most common age group was 20-40 yrs. Incidence was higher in rural population with 81.9% compared to urban 28.1%. Electricians, workers in electricity board comprised 59.26% of victims. In all patients, debridement was done and collagen membrane was grafted and some patients required reconstructive procedures 35.2% of patients. Conclusion: Electric burns are not uncommon in rural areas of India. The incidence electric burn injuries can be decreased if there is a public awareness especially among the electric workers regarding hazards of high voltage tension lines explained and use of safety equipments made mandatory.