Hand injuries due to high-pressure injection devices for painting in shipyards: circumstances, management, and outcome in twelve patients.
BACKGROUND
Injuries due to high-pressure injections are frequently underestimated occupational accidents, which may have disabling outcomes.


METHODS
The occupational injuries logbooks of two shipyards were examined. Twelve accidents due to the utilization of high-pressure equipment were reported. Data were obtained by reviewing the employers' logbooks and hospital records.


RESULTS
Contaminants were epoxy paint and stucco, paint solvent, hydraulic and industrial oil. In three cases, the palm was injured and the fingers in nine. In 91% of cases, the accident occurred in the last 2 hr of the work shift. Mishandling (n = 9) and rupture of the high-pressure equipment (n = 3) were the causes. Mean time to medical treatment was 42.5 hr (SD 56.0). Ten workers were permanently disabled.


CONCLUSIONS
Prompt surgical intervention with debridement and decompression was done in two workers, who healed completely. The ten patients who were not treated immediately eventually experienced a high rate of disability and five of them also suffered amputation.
Valentino
Matteo
M
Clinica di Medicina del Lavoro, Università di Ancona, Polo Didattico Torrette, Ancona, Italy. profvalentino@libero.it
Rapisarda
Venerando
V
Fenga
Concettina
C
D000062:Accidents, Occupational; D000328:Adult; D000671:Amputation, Surgical; D003646:Debridement; D019299:Decompression, Surgical; D006233:Persons with Disabilities; D006230:Hand Injuries / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007221:Industry; D007267:Injections / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011312:Pressure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D012767:Ships; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014950:Wounds, Penetrating / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy