Dr. Peddi Manjunath

This study aims to share our Institutional knowledge on electrical injuries in paediatric patients and investigate the causatory and preventive measures. A retrospective review of les of electric burn victims from 2019 to 2023 admitted in our Tertiary burns care centre under 16 yrs of age was done. A total of 138 patients were treated during this period. The following data were retrieved: Patient Demographics, nature of injury (high or low voltage), duration of Hospital stay, total burnt surface area, procedures performed were considered and data was analysed statistically. Paediatric electric burns comprise around 24.2% of total Electric burns cases. Boys were more commonly injured than girls (70.2% vs 29.7%). Children were affected with High voltage burns more than low voltage group. (83.3% vs 16.6%). High voltage burns was more prevalent in older age group (11.8 yrs) than low voltage burns (3.8 yrs) with signicant p value (<0.01). 66.9% of the high voltage burns group were due to contact with damaged high-tension wires. Mean hospital stay was signicantly longer in patients with high voltage injuries (16.36 days) than in those with low voltage injuries (3.17 days). Amputations were needed in 44 patients (31.8%). 74 patients (53.6%) underwent fasciotomies, Flap cover was needed in 52 patients (37.6%). 20 patients (17.39%) succumbed to their burn injuries. Although entirely preventable, Signicant morbidity and mortality is associated with Paediatric electric burn injuries. Public awareness campaigns, Strict Safety norms by the Government, good housekeeping and General public cooperation are in dire need.

ABSTRACT: Soft tissue reconstruction of distal third leg, heel and ankle region is a challenging problem because of poor vascularity and limited mobility of skin. The reverse sural artery with ideal flap thickness, minimal donor site morbidity, lack of functional muscle loss, short recovery time, wide arc of rotation and safe vascularity makes it a preferable flap for covering such defects. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To study various modifications of distally based reverse sural artery flap to suit the defects and for better survival of flaps. RESULTS: It is a retrospective study conducted in our institute to cover the distal leg and foot defects.60 cases of distal leg defects exposing vital structure who underwent reverse sural artery flap coverage were included in the study .5 of the 60 flaps had complete flap necrosis and another11 flaps had partial necrosis.73.4% of the flaps survived during the follow up period of 1 years with good functional outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Reverse sural artery flap with its modifications is a good flap for the defects of distal leg, heel and ankle defects.