title: Surgical findings in clenched-fist injuries.
abstract: A total of 191 patients (representing 194 skin lacerations) hospitalized for clenched-fist injuries were evaluated for deep structure involvement. Tendon, joint, cartilage, and/or bone were damaged in 75%. Tendon involvement occurred in 28 of 138 (20.3%), joint capsule violation in 99 of 146 (67.8%), free articular cartilage fragments in 8 of 139 (5.8%) and articular-bone indentations in 23 of 139 (16.5%). All patients with clenched-fist lacerations or puncture wounds over joints should be treated by surgical debridement and exploration of the deep structures, including the joint, at the time they first seek medical care.
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002358:Cartilage, Articular / Q000293:injuries; D003646:Debridement; D005260:Female; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000601:surgery; D006230:Hand Injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008662:Metacarpophalangeal Joint / Q000293:injuries; D008875:Middle Aged; D010019:Osteomyelitis / Q000601:surgery; D013708:Tendon Injuries; D014950:Wounds, Penetrating / Q000601:surgery*