ABSTRACT
Over the past 12 months, the Victorian Trauma Centre at the Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, has dealt with serious head and neck injuries associated with angle grinder use. Three cases are presented, documenting the circumstances and severity of these injuries and subsequent management. Angle grinder injuries are a source of serious morbidity and mortality, much of which is preventable.
Subject(s)
Accidents, Occupational , Equipment and Supplies/adverse effects , Occupational Diseases/surgery , Adult , Humans , Male , Metallurgy , Middle AgedABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Ring avulsion injuries can vary in severity from mere breach of the skin through to complete amputation or degloving. Management of the more severe injuries remains controversial in deciding whether to salvage or amputate. METHOD: Six cases managed between 1991 and 1997 are presented. RESULTS: Results were comparable to the larger series published. CONCLUSION: Referral to a microsurgical unit and attempted repair where possible are recommended.
Subject(s)
Finger Injuries/pathology , Finger Injuries/surgery , Female , Humans , Injury Severity Score , Male , Microsurgery , Surgical Flaps , Vascular Surgical ProceduresABSTRACT
Surgical correction of syndactyly of the Apert hand should begin by 6 months and be completed by 3 years of age. As much surgery as possible is carried out at each sitting. Digit separation should be in order of functional importance. The first web space is deepened with a four-flap Z-plasty or a dorsal skin flap from the web and index finger. Syndactyly release using a dorsal flap and zig-zag technique is used to create the second and fourth web spaces. The complex long-ring syndactyly often requires a pedicled groin flap for reconstruction and preservation of growth potential. A five-digit hand can be achieved with adequate grasp and stable, sensate, well-aligned digits. These children can attain some degree of independent finger motion and aesthetically acceptable hands with this approach.
