Background: Type III circumferential electrical burns of the wrist are one of the most severe electrical injuries, involving rather extensive necrosis, progressive blood circulatory embarrassment and a high amputation rate. This injury poses a challenge for vascular reconstruction and wound coverage. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the combined rectus abdominis muscle/paraumbilical flap and lower abdominal flap for the treatment of type III circumferential electrical burns of the wrist.
Methods: Six men (age, 19-32 years; average, 21 years) with type III circumferential electrical burns of the wrist were included. After thorough debridement, the volar wound was repaired with a partial rectus abdominis muscle/paraumbilical flap and the dorsal wound was repaired with a lower abdominal flap.
Results: Flap survival was complete in all six patients. During a follow-up of 6-12 months, the flaps showed good texture and shape. No abdominal hernia occurred in any patients. The scar on the abdominal wall was acceptable.
Conclusion: The combined rectus abdominis muscle/paraumbilical flap and lower abdominal flap has large wound coverage potential and offers a new, easy, safe option for the treatment of type III circumferential electrical burns of wrist.
Keywords: Electrical burns; Flap; Wrist.
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