Mutilating Hand Injuries

Causes

This problem may be caused by:

• Industrial accidents from machines and power tools
• Crushing accidents
• Burns
• Chemical exposure
• Car accidents
• Farming injuries

Risk Factors

Things that may raise the risk of this problem are:

• Jobs that require using dangerous machines
• Removing safety guards from machinery, such as power saws or wood chippers
• Short-cuts and poor technique while using machines
• Not shutting off power to a tool when using hands to work on it
• Operating machinery or vehicles under the influence of alcohol or drugs

Symptoms

Hand injuries are visible. Common problems are:

• Pain
• Ripped skin
• Skin loss
• Open wounds
• Excessive bleeding
• Exposed bone or tendons
• Amputation of the hand or fingers

Severe Hand Trauma

© Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

Diagnosis

The doctor will examine the injury. Anesthesia may be given to block pain during the exam. Nerves and tendons of the hand will be tested.

Images will be taken to look for damage to the bones, nerves, tendons, and skin. This can be done with:

• X-rays
• CT scan

Treatment

Emergency care will be needed. An IV will be started to give fluids and pain medicine.

The goals of treatment are to stop bleeding, manage pain, and repair damage. Options are:

Medicine

Medicine will be given to ease pain and to block pain during medical care. Antibiotics may be given to lower the risk of infection.

People who have not had a recent tetanus vaccination may be given one. It can help the body find and attack the bacteria.

Wound Irrigation

The wound will be flushed with water. It will help to remove any debris that may be trapped in the wounds. This will help to prevent infection.

Hand Surgery

Less severe injury will be dressed and splinted. A surgical plan can be made later.

Surgery may be needed right away for severe injury. The goal is to repair as much damage as possible. They may save some hand function. Several surgeries are often needed for this type of injury.

Rehabilitation

Rehab can help a person get back movement in the hand. It can also help to make changes if there are some limits to hand movement. Rehab may include:

• Physical therapy to improve movement
• Occupational therapy to help with daily tasks and self care

Prevention

To lower the risk of this problem:

• Do not use machinery that is unfamiliar.
• Follow all safety instructions when operating tools or machinery. Be especially careful when using snow blowers and lawn mowers.
• Do not put fingers or hands near moving parts of machinery.