Microwave oven electromagnetic radiation injury to a paediatric hand: a case report

Abstract

Injuries sustained from microwave oven electromagnetic radiation are rare and very few cases have been documented. Most microwave oven-related injuries that present to the emergency department, are related to thermal injuries sustained from the oven's contents. Although seemingly similar in presentation, the mechanism of injury and biological effects on tissue are quite different. An eight-year-old boy sustained partial and full-thickness burns to his right hand after exposure to electromagnetic radiation from a microwave oven. The patient's wounds were debrided and a full-thickness thickness skin graft was applied at a later stage. After extensive occupational therapy and regular check-ups, the patient regained good range of motion in the hand. The skin graft had a 100% take with minimal stiffness over the first web space and an area of anaesthesia was present over the skin graft.