Ambulation Challenges Post High-Voltage Electrical Burn Involving Three Extremities, Complicated with Osteomyelitis: A Case Report

Authors

Chiang-Hui Huang, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou, Taiwan
Katie Pei-Hsuan Wu, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou, TaiwanFollow

Abstract

High-voltage electrical burns in occupational settings can leave detrimental injuries with immediate impact and long-term sequel. Despite extensive literature on the injury mechanism, comprehensive long-term rehabilitation descriptions for such devastating cases remain scarce. This report presents a significant traumatized high-voltage electrical injury involved three out of four extremities. A late complication with extensive tibial osteomyelitis affecting two-thirds of the bone severely compromised the patient’s ambulation potential, emphasizing the importance of segmental rehabilitation with progressive tolerance in ambulatory weight-bearing. We evaluated the patient’s physical, mental, and social component using Barthel Index, Veterans RAND 12-Item Health Survey (VR-12), and Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System 29 (PROMIS-29). Results supported a more significant improvement in the physical component, but less notable in the mental and social components. This case underscores the evolution of rehabilitation progress between challenges and skill-building. Multidimensional challenges warranted the close collaboration for a sustained, interdisciplinary care to optimize the rehabilitation outcome.

Recommended Citation

Huang, Chiang-Hui and Wu, Katie Pei-Hsuan (2025) "Ambulation Challenges Post High-Voltage Electrical Burn Involving Three Extremities, Complicated with Osteomyelitis: A Case Report," Rehabilitation Practice and Science: Vol. 2025: Iss. 1, Article 10.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.6315/3005-3846.2257
Available at: https://rps.researchcommons.org/journal/vol2025/iss1/10