Destruction of the anterior muscle group of the leg in a patient with electrical burns

Abstract

Electrical burns are traumatic injuries that lead to tissue necrosis of varying extent and depth. They are accompanied by large muscle destruction and are capable of causing large disfiguring or disabling sequelae, and even death. In these lesions, damage is greater in the tendon insertions and the periosteal regions, especially in deep muscle groups; blood vessels progressively thrombose and are responsible for secondary necrosis hindering the circulation into the affected area. Both the broad muscular and vascular damage lead to limb amputation in 60% of the victims, and serious motor limitations. The case of a 21-year-old white male patient is reported. A worker of Electric Company with a history of previous health, he suffered an electric thermal injury that destroyed the entire anterior muscle group of his right leg, leaving intact a narrow strip of posterior tissue. Although the possible amputation was discussed, it was preferred a watchful waiting because the little viable tissue could guarantee adequate irrigation without edema and a successful recovery. At discharge, it was noticed a limitation of the foot flexion that almost did not affect the patient's gait.