Crush injuries of the hand in children in the Asir region, Saudi Arabia

ABSTRACT

The aim of this study was to report on crush injuries of the hand in children in the Asir region of Saudi Arabia, caused by domestic meat mincing machine. Case note of all the patients seen and treated over an eight-year period [1988 - 1996] were developed. There were nine boys and two girls, aged between 14 and 48 months. Both right and left hands were about equally affected. Total of 43 digits were involved. The middle finger was most commonly involved and the thumb least involved. Removal of hand from the machine was effected using a special hydraulic device. Adequate safety devices must be incorporated into the designing of all meat mincing machines. Safety warnings must be packaged with the machines. When such accidents occur, attempts should be made to forcibly pull-out the trapped hand