1085 Power Tools and Hand Injuries

Aim Power tools are frequent culprits in traumatic upper limb injuries. The resulting wounds have significant heterogeneity since these depend on the tool characteristics. Wider kerf blades, outward-facing teeth, crushing and avulsion-causing mechanisms may limit the ability of end-to-end repair requiring more complex reconstruction. Method We outline the mechanism of action of these tools, allowing hand surgeons to appreciate the injury and facilitate surgical planning. Results Angle grinders' handheld nature result in unilateral injuries. As the number of the affected fingers increases, the site of injury moves more proximally. Chain saws injuries are multi-digital, proximal arm open fractures, or amputations with chewed soft tissues. The most common mechanism of injury for most saws is the kickback phenomenon. The cut of circular, mitre, table saws blade comes solely from its teeth, rather than the disk itself. The number and shape of the teeth will determine the resulting cut. The repetitive reciprocating motion of the jigsaw blade will result in multiple small but deep lacerations. Planers' spinning blades remove wood at the depth difference of the in- and out-feed bases, resulting in shallow but extensive cuts. Power drills have the capacity to cause high speed rotating trauma resulting in localised shear and friction burn injury. Sanders are culprits of friction burns, abrasions or lacerations from the tool or the workpiece if not securely fixed. Conclusions Hand trauma from DIY machinery can cause not only physical disability but also have devastating psychological impact. We encourage trauma surgeons to learn the different configurations of the tools highlighted herein.