Lumenta DB, Vierhapper MF, Kamolz LP, Keck M, Frey M. Train surfing and other high voltage trauma: differences in injury-related mechanisms and operative outcomes after fasciotomy, amputation and soft-tissue coverage.
Burns 2011;
37:1427-34. [PMID:
21852047 DOI:
10.1016/j.burns.2011.07.016]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2011] [Revised: 07/21/2011] [Accepted: 07/22/2011] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND
In the context of scarce reports on train surfers among high voltage electric injuries, we conducted a retrospective review between January 1994 and December 2008.
METHODS
After matching for inclusion criteria we reviewed patient records of 37 true high voltage injuries (12 train surfers [TS] and 25 other high voltage injuries [HV]).
RESULTS
TS were significantly younger (TS 15.8 years vs. HV 33.3 years, p<0.0001), and had a greater %TBSA (TS 49.7%TBSA vs. HV 21.5%TBSA, p=0.0003) without affecting the median length-of-stay (TS 52 days vs. HV 49 days) or number of operations (TS 4 vs. HV 3). TS had different injury patterns, with a higher percentage of affected extremities (TS 72.9% vs. HV 52.0%, p=0.0468) and associated injuries (TS 58% vs. HV 20%, n.s.) than HV. Both groups demonstrated comparable fasciotomy (TS 71.4% vs. HV 55.8%) and amputation rates (TS 17.1% vs. HV 15.4%). While TS required less flaps (TS 3/12 vs. HV 18/25; p=0.0153), soft-tissue reconstruction revealed an overall low incidence of complication rates (one partial pedicled flap loss and two total free flap losses).
CONCLUSIONS
Train surfers have proven to be a distinct group of patients among high-voltage injuries notably as a result of a younger age, a shorter electric contact duration and higher velocity-induced trauma. With a possibly declining trend of train surfing-related accidents in an aging society, it will be interesting to see if emerging economies will face comparable phenomena, for which prevention strategies remain key.
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