Citation

Kim D, Park JW. J. Hand Surg. Asian Pac. Vol. 2017; 22(4): 519-522.

Affiliation

1 Department of Orthopedic Surgery, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, Korea.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2017, World Scientific Publishing)

DOI

10.1142/S0218810417720376

PMID

29117841

Abstract

Incorrect usage of or accidents related to metallic mercury can be hazardous. Herein, we present a case of subcutaneous metallic mercury injection in the hand caused by a broken thermometer and surgical tips for this injury. A 43-year-old female patient visited our hospital due to mercurial injection injury at the left hand suffered 4 weeks previously. On gross findings, the mercury deposition was limited to the subcutaneous layer and enveloped by granulation tissue. The blood mercury level, which had been abnormally elevated, fortunately decreased to within normal levels within five months. Nonetheless, this initial elevation indicates the possibility of systemic complications after local absorption of mercury droplets into the general circulation. In conclusion, we recommend prompt and complete excision of mercury material to prevent local and systemic complications, and excising the granulation tissue in its entirety, while retaining the mercury droplets within, is recommended.

Language: en

Keywords

Hand injury; Local and systemic complication; Metallic mercury; Thermometer