Functional outcome of high-pressure injection injuries of the hand.
BACKGROUND
High-pressure injection (HPI) injury of the hand is a serious injury that can be potentially devastating. There have been a number of publications on the results of its treatment, but we are not aware of a report on the functional outcome of these hands.


METHODS
We assessed the functional outcome of 15 patients with HPI injuries. All patients were treated operatively, with a mean delay of 11.7 hours. The patients were examined by a doctor and an occupational therapist using a work simulator.


RESULTS
Our study revealed a significant reduction of static and dynamic muscle testing parameters compared with the uninjured hand. Six patients lost a digit and four patients had to change their occupation after the injury.


CONCLUSIONS
Deterioration of hand function is a predictable outcome of HPI injury. This information should be shared with the patient at the outset so as to avoid subsequent disappointment.
Christodoulou
L
L
Pulvertaft Hand Centre, Derbyshire Royal Infirmary, Derby, United Kingdom.
Melikyan
E Y
EY
Woodbridge
S
S
Burke
F D
FD
D000328:Adult; D000671:Amputation, Surgical; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006230:Hand Injuries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology / Q000601:surgery*; D018737:Hand Strength; D006801:Humans; D007219:Industrial Oils / Q000009:adverse effects; D007267:Injections / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009788:Occupational Therapy; D010150:Paint / Q000009:adverse effects; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011312:Pressure; D011379:Prognosis; D011859:Radiography; D020127:Recovery of Function; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014867:Water / Q000009:adverse effects
D014867:Water