Hand Injury Prevention & Recent advances in Fracture Treatment

INDUSTRIAL INJURIES The ever increasing mechanisation, electrification, chemicalisation and sophistication have made industrial jobs more and more complex and intricate. This has led to increased dangers to human life in industries through accidents and injuries.

Hand Injuries Impact We use our hand constantly. A disabling hand injury can have a dramatic effect on your quality of life. A hand injury can impact not only your ability to perform your job, but daily routines as well. A hand injury can occur in a second, but the social, financial and emotional effects can last a lifetime.

Hand Injury Statistics Hand injuries represent nearly a third of all reported workplace accidents. Approximately 75% of industrial injuries that cause partial disability involve the hands Over 16 million individuals seek emergency care each year for hand injuries.

Human Hand The human body is an engineering marvel. Our hands consist of 27 bones, ligaments, muscles, tendons, nerves, blood vessels, skin and nails. Working in union, they provide strength and dexterity which enables us to perform routine tasks and accomplish precision movements.

Hand is an invaluable tool for a human The hand lets us grasp, – hold, – manipulate, – throw – but also recognize, – signal, – defend.. Human hands are unique and one of our greatest assets. Without your hands it would be extremely difficult to do routine simple tasks, such as opening doors, using a fork, or tying your shoes. Your hands make you a skilled, valuable worker

Hand Injuries Hand injuries are difficult to repair because of the complexity of the hand. • After a hand injury, the hand may not function as it did before the injury due to loss of: – Motion – Dexterity – Grip

Hand Injuries Most common occupational hand injuries Cuts ( from machinery, power tools, utility knives) Crush injuries ( from machinery, objects and equipment falling) Punctures ( from power tools, equipment) Fractures ( from equipment and machinery) Carpal tunnel syndrome ( from equipment vibration & repetitive tasks) Burns (from heat or chemical contact)

Because of their tremendous versatility, hands are exposed and susceptible to many types of injuries. These include strains and sprains from excessive force, excessive repetitive motion, awkward posture, contact with surface conditions, skin irritation from contact and exposure to hazardous or irritating substances; burns from contact or exposure to electricity, chemicals and hot substances, punctures from tools and other sharp objects, lacerations, cuts ranging from minor to major if tendons or nerves are severed, fractures, broken bones from being crushed or falling and amputations, resulting in a loss of part or all of the hand

Hand Injuries Hand injuries can be associated with working with machinery or equipment The materials being used or the job process might be hazardous Hand tools or powered hand tools may be faulty or improperly used Primary cause of hand injuries is equipment not performing as expected

Hand Injuries Most common causes of hand injuries are: – Carelessness – Lack of awareness – Boredom – Disregard for safety procedures – Distractions

Lines of Defense Awareness of Hazards and Prevention Measures Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Good Hygiene and First Aid

TO AVOID HAND INJURIES Know the hazards and dangers in the job to be done Be aware of pinch points Be aware of hot areas Be aware of rotating or moving surfaces

TO AVOID HAND INJURIES Automated machinery may be controlled by remote control, or delayed timing devices that cause the machine to start automatically Loose clothing and jewelry may be caught up in moving machinery Never remove machine safeguards or operate machinery with safeguards removed

Be familiar with the types of tasks you perform and the substances your may be exposed to. Gloves can provide protection against sharp objects, electrical burns, hot objects, chemical exposure and environmental elements. Different types of gloves provide different types of protection. It is important you know the purpose and limitations of the glove you use.

When properly selected and utilized, gloves can help reduce hand injuries. The wrong glove selection and use can also pose a hazard. The wrong size glove can cause extra stress on the hands. The wrong type can provide a false sense of protection, and used in the wrong situation, can create a safety hazard.

FIRST AID Cuts : Apply direct pressure to large or bleeding cuts and lift your hand up above your shoulder – clean small cuts using warm soapy water and then apply a sterile bandage. Amputations: Apply pressure immediately to the injured area – keep the amputated part in a plastic bag and place it in icy water but not in direct contact with ice. Broken bones: Keep control of the situation and seek medical assistance.

FIRST AID Sprains: Apply cold compresses to reduce pain and swelling. Chemical burns: Rinse with running water for at least 15 minutes. Heat burns: Soak minor burns in cold water, then apply a sterile bandage – burns that are carbonized or blistered require medical attention.

Assessment of the Injured Hand Intactness v amputation Movement v stiffness Power v weakness Sensation v numbness Comfort v pain

Unsalvageable !

Soft Tissue Injuries

To Salvage or Not ?

To Salvage or Not ? is it worth keeping ? return to work finance adequate blood supply stable skeleton good skin cover outcome

Local Advancement Flap

K - Wire & JESS Fixation

Hand shaft fractures AO Compact hand set blade plate

Intraarticular fractures Similar principles to large joint fractures

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Recent Advances for Fracture Management

Bone Marrow Injections

Thank You