Hand Injury Patterns Caused by Different Electric Saws in South Korea

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Electric saw is widely used and patients involved with the tool are increasing. We made efforts to analyze data of saw-related hand injuries. METHODS: Electric saw-related hand injuries that required operation were analyzed retrospectively by reviewing medical charts, clinical photographs and X-ray films from 2009 through 2013. Additionally, we interviewed patients regarding the type of electric saw involved (hand-held/table-mounted) and how the hand was injured. RESULTS: There were 16 male patients with 19 injured fingers and 22 injured tendons. Due to the damaging mechanism of the electric saw, injuries were severe and complex such as tendon, bone defects, fractures and amputations. 4 fingers had open fractures. Separately, 4 were amputated. Non-dominant hands were injured more by hand-held saw, while, dominant hands were damaged more by table-mounted saw. The thumb and index fingers were injured mostly by electric saw. Probability of dominant and non-dominant hand injury depends on the types of electric saw because of the working position when using this tool. CONCLUSION: Hand injuries can be classified according to the type of electronic saw used. Complete understanding of a specific trauma mechanism and the resulting injury patterns is important especially for hand surgeons. Surgeons should take into account the type of electric saw when examining patients. However, the most important step to prevent these types of injuries is to provide all workers with appropriate training and precautions before using the electric saw.