Osteoarticular injuries due to electrical aggression

Electrical discharges can be severe, destructive and disabling injuries, leading to extensive skin and soft tissues damages, as well as infrequently, but overlooked various osteoarticular lesions, such as long bone fractures, spine fractures, joint dislocations, very deep burns, osteonecrosis and heterotopic ossification of soft tissues. Therefore, all practitioners involved in the management of the electrocuted patients need to be informed and to take account of the possibility of skeletal injuries: plastic surgeon, general surgeon, orthopedic surgeon, emergency physician and general practitioner. Fractures and dislocations usually occur after a traumatic event related to electrical injuries, and they can be rarely caused by violent tetanic muscle contractions, as result of electrical current passage. All electrocuted patients presenting suggestive symptoms and signs such as pain, swelling, bone tenderness, and functional impairment should be examined carefully and in detail, both clinically and by imaging studies. The early recognition, the confirmation by imaging studies and the prompt orthopedic treatment ensure a favorable outcome and remove the harmful possible complications.