Paediatric hand injuries caused by spiked railings
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 18, 2026

Handheld Metal Detector Screening for Metallic Foreign Body Ingestion in Children
Published on: September 11, 2018
1Northern Ireland Plastic and Maxillo-Facial Service, Ulster Hospital, Dundonald, Belfast, UK. tuabin.rasheed@net.ntl.com
Abstract:
We report five cases of hand injuries caused by spiked palisade railings. One patient sustained an open fracture of the distal phalanx with a disruption of the nail bed, and two patients had digital nerve injuries. Two patients presented with the railing still impaled in the fingers, one of whom had an ischaemic digit at presentation. All patients were male, between 9 and 12 years of age, and presented in the course of 1 month. Railings of this type would appear to be a significant cause of hand injuries, which may be prevented by legislation or a change in railing design.
Related Concept Videos
Flail Chest-II
Assessment:
1. Clinical Evaluation:
History:
Fractures: Bone Repair
Minor fractures with no bone displacement are treated by immobilizing the fractured bone using a cast or splint. However, in the case of fractures with displaced bones, the broken bones are repositioned before immobilization to ensure successful healing without deformation and loss of function. The realignment of fractured bone ends is performed through a process called reduction. If the procedure...
Flail Chest-I
Flail chest is a severe and potentially life-threatening condition characterized by the fracture of three or more adjacent ribs in multiple places. It is most commonly caused by direct impacts and trauma, such as motor vehicle accidents or injuries from a steering wheel impact. It can also occur due to falls in elderly individuals with osteoporosis, or assaults involving sharp objects.
Pathophysiology
The pathophysiology of flail chest is complex, involving fractures of...
Handwashing II: Pre-procedure and Initial Procedure Steps
The hand washing procedure itself includes the following steps. First, cover cuts, if any, on hands with a waterproof dressing. Cuts and abrasions can become contaminated with bacteria hindering the ability to clean the area thoroughly. In addition, repeated hand washing can worsen an injury. The nails must be short and clean, without nail paint...
