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Recognition of factitial hand injuries
Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research
|January 1, 1977
Summary
Recognizing factitial hand injuries is crucial to prevent unnecessary surgeries and permanent disability. These self-inflicted wounds require a non-accusatory approach for successful management, avoiding confrontation.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Psychiatry
- Hand Surgery
Background:
- Facitial injuries, often self-inflicted, present with diverse manifestations on the hand due to its accessibility.
- Common methods include insertion of foreign objects, constrictive bands, injections, and excoriation of wounds.
Observation:
- Patients exhibit a notable lack of concern and stoicism regarding their lesions.
- Resistance to psychiatric referral is common, with a persistent seeking of medical intervention for cure.
Findings:
- No distinct psychopathological patterns were identified among the affected individuals.
- The self-inflicted nature of these injuries often leads to misdiagnosis and inappropriate surgical interventions.
Implications:
- Early suspicion and prompt recognition of factitial etiology are vital for appropriate patient management.
- Establishing a non-accusatory physician-patient relationship and avoiding direct confrontation are key to successful outcomes.
- Preventing unnecessary surgical procedures can avert permanent hand disability and improve patient care.