High-pressure injection injuries to the hand: A 14-year descriptive study

Area of Science:

• Trauma Surgery
• Hand Surgery
• Occupational Health

Background:

• High-pressure injection (HPI) injuries are uncommon but can cause significant morbidity in hand trauma.
• These injuries often involve materials like grease, paint, chemicals, or air injected under pressure.
• Timely recognition and management are critical for optimal outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the clinical presentation, management strategies, and outcomes of high-pressure injection injuries of the hand.
• To identify common mechanisms, affected sites, and associated complications.
• To highlight the importance of early intervention and community awareness.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective study of 32 patients with HPI injuries admitted to a Level 1 trauma center between 2001 and 2015.
• Review of medical records, imaging, and demographic data, including injury mechanism, injected material, and affected hand site.
• Analysis of treatment timelines, management approaches (debridement vs. conservative), and complication rates.

Main Results:

• The average patient age was 32.7 years; grease was the most common injected material (53%).
• The palm and index finger were the most frequently injured sites.
• Average delay to presentation was 12 hours; 90.6% underwent debridement, with complications including chronic pain and amputation (3.1%).

Conclusions:

• High-pressure injection injuries are frequently underestimated and require increased community awareness, especially for laborers.
• Delayed treatment significantly increases the risk of amputation.
• Educating at-risk populations about the severity of HPI injuries and implementing preventive measures are essential.