Nail Gun Injuries to the Hand and Wrist: A Systematic Literature Review

Nail gun injuries to the hand are common among those in the construction industry and are frequent presentations to the emergency department. A systematic review was conducted to analyze the long-term morbidity and functional outcomes following nail gun injuries to the hand. A literature search of four scientific databases was performed to identify articles describing nail gun injuries to the hand, up to and inclusive of October 2023. In total, 16 studies were eligible for inclusion, capturing 185 nail gun injuries to the hand. These included one major vascular injury, 23 nerve injuries, 46 tendon injuries, and 36 bone injuries. Morbidity on follow-up included two cases of motor dysfunction, 23 cases of chronic pain or paresthesia, and 11 cases of reduced range of motion. Nail gun injuries to the hand require thorough evaluation techniques, an understanding of surgical versus non-surgical management, and close postoperative monitoring and rehabilitation.