Mutilating Hand Injuries(Hand Trauma; Hand Injury)
by
Cynthia M. Johnson, MA DefinitionA mutilating hand injury is severe damage to the hand. It will make it hard or impossible to use the hand. There may be damage to bones, tendons, tissues, nerves, and skin. Care is needed right away. It can be deadly. CausesThis problem may be caused by:
Risk FactorsThings that may raise the risk of this problem are:
SymptomsHand injuries are visible. Common problems are:
DiagnosisThe 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: TreatmentEmergency 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: MedicineMedicine 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 IrrigationThe 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 SurgeryLess 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. RehabilitationRehab 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:
PreventionTo lower the risk of this problem:
RESOURCES:Hand Care—American Society for Surgery of the Hand http://handcare.assh.org OrthoInfo—American
Academy
of Orthopaedic Surgeons http://www.orthoinfo.org CANADIAN RESOURCES:Canadian Orthopaedic Foundation http://www.canorth.org The Canadian Society of Plastic Surgeons http://www.plasticsurgery.ca References:Fingertips injuries and amputations. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Ortho Info website. Available at:
https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/fingertip-injuries-and-amputations. Accessed August 19, 2021. Mallet finger. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:
https://www.dynamed.com/condition/mallet-finger. Accessed August 19, 2021. Snowblower safety. American Society for Surgery of the Hand Hand Care website. Available at:
https://www.assh.org/handcare/safety/snow-blower. Accessed August 19, 2021. Last reviewed July 2021 by
EBSCO Medical Review Board
James Cornell, MD Last Updated: 8/19/2021 |
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