[Injury of the hand by a high pressure injection: often serious subcutaneous damage]

Two men, aged 32 and 40, had a high-pressure paint injection injury to the left index and middle finger respectively. The first patient's finger became inflamed within a week, after which the paint was removed operatively; there was complete recovery of function. In the other patient the paint was removed immediately; however the finger was amputated a week later because of gangrene. High-pressure injection injuries should not be underestimated. High-pressure injection injuries to the hand often lead to severe and irreversible loss of function. Acknowledging the severity of this type of injury is the key to adequate treatment. Mostly this means immediate operative intervention. Only injuries with clean water, air or a small amount of vaccine can be treated conservatively under close observation.