Chainsaw-Related Extremity Injuries

Background: Chainsaw-related injuries vary from skin lacerations to amputation and may cause serious loss of work time in addition to temporary or permanent disability. Most studies in the literature have reported injuries to the lower or upper extremities separately. The aim of our study is to compare the loss of work time between upper- and lower-extremity chainsaw-related non-occupational injuries in rural areas. Methods: Chainsaw-related injuries that occurred in rural areas and were treated in our center between 2012 and 2022 were retrospectively reviewed. The patients' demographics, the injured side and structures, the hand dominance of operators, lengths of hospital stays, the numbers of operations, complications, and loss of work time were recorded. Results: In total, 185 patients (181 males and four females) were enrolled in this study. The mean age was 45.5 years (range: 17-81). The mean follow-up time was 9.3 months (range: 6-24). The lower extremities were affected in 109 patients, while the upper extremities were affected in 76. The loss of work time was 60 and 75 days for lower- and upper-extremity injuries, respectively, and was statistically significantly higher for upper-extremity injuries (p < 0.001). The fracture rate was higher in the upper than the lower extremities, at 50% and 26.6%, respectively. Conclusions: Chainsaws may cause severe injuries in both the upper and lower extremities, and while the lower extremities were affected more frequently, upper-extremity injuries caused a greater loss of work time. Through the use of protective gear and simple precautions, chainsaw-related injuries and the associated loss of work time can be prevented.