[Saw Injuries to the Hand - Epidemiological Aspects]

Area of Science:

• Trauma Surgery
• Orthopedics
• Occupational Safety

Background:

• Saw injuries are a common cause of severe hand trauma in Germany, with approximately 12,000 circular saw injuries annually.
• Increased use of portable circular saws in the DIY sector, driven by rising costs and availability, contributes to accident rates.
• A significant gap exists in German literature regarding current studies on saw-related injuries.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate factors contributing to saw injuries, particularly hand trauma.
• To analyze accident patterns and injury types associated with saw usage.
• To provide data for developing preventive measures against saw-related accidents.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of data from 51 male patients treated for saw injuries at a single hospital.
• Evaluation of accident circumstances, including location, time, saw type, and activity.
• Assessment of injury patterns and surgical interventions performed.

Main Results:

• Most accidents (80%) occurred at home, often on weekends or after work, with 51% involving firewood cutting.
• Electric table saws (84%) were predominantly used, with severe injuries often linked to lower-priced models.
• Injuries frequently affected bones, tendons, blood vessels, and nerves, with successful anatomical reconstruction in 37% of cases.

Conclusions:

• Saw injuries predominantly affect men, with low-priced table saws and inadequate protective coverings being significant risk factors.
• Preventive strategies, including mandatory training, are crucial for reducing the incidence of hand injuries from saws.
• Findings align with previous international publications on saw-related trauma.