High-pressure paint gun injection injury to the palm.
High-pressure injection injuries often have a misleadingly benign presentation. However, it is important to recognize the potential surgical urgency and long-term sequelae associated with these injuries. We present a case of paint gun injection to the palm and review the literature on high-pressure paint injection injuries. The 3 factors most important for the fate of the limb are material type, injection pressure, and injury site. The immediate use of antibiotics and tetanus prophylaxis, with or without steroids, is indicated. Urgent debridement in the operating room is imperative and can decompress the neurovascular structures and flexor tendon sheath by removing the irritating agents. Reported overall amputation rates have been as high as 30%.
Attending Physician, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Connecticut Children's Medical Center, Hartford. chaudhry85@gmail.com.
Sonia
S
Chaudhry
Stephen
S
Gould
Salil
S
Gupta
D000328:Adult; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003646:Debridement; D006230:Hand Injuries / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000601:surgery / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D060051:Occupational Injuries / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000601:surgery / Q000628:therapy*; D010150:Paint; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014950:Wounds, Penetrating / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000601:surgery / Q000628:therapy*
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents