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Ax injuries of the hand
L Muir1, G Foucher, F Marian-Braun
1S.O.S. Main, Clinique du Parc, Strasbourg, France.
The Journal of Trauma
|May 1, 1997
Summary
Ax injuries to the hand are rare, often affecting the thumb and index finger. While long-term results are generally satisfactory, expertise is crucial for managing these complex injuries and preventing complications.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Trauma Surgery
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Ax injuries of the hand are uncommon but can lead to significant morbidity.
- These injuries frequently involve the thumb and index finger, often affecting the non-dominant hand.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct a retrospective epidemiological review of hand injuries caused by axes.
- To analyze injury patterns, surgical interventions, complications, and long-term outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective epidemiological review of 125 ax hand injury cases.
- Detailed assessment of all injuries and in-depth follow-up for 26 cases.
- Evaluation included injury levels, surgical needs, complications, patient satisfaction, and prevention strategies.
Main Results:
- Ax injuries are rare, typically affecting the thumb and index finger of the non-dominant hand.
- Expertise in managing bone, tendon, nerve, and skin is essential for optimal outcomes.
- Replantation complication rate was 50%; maintaining bony skeleton length should not compromise results.
Conclusions:
- Ax hand injuries, though rare, necessitate specialized care due to potential for significant morbidity.
- Long-term results were generally satisfactory (11 months to 12 years), with persistent cold intolerance noted.
- Prevention remains paramount, though specific methods to reduce incidence were not identified; improper ax handling was a common factor.