@article{ref1,
title="Eighty-seven cases of a nail gun injury to the extremity",
journal="Emergency medicine Australasia",
year="2013",
author="Ling, Shi-Neng James and Ong, Natalie Chuen-Ying and North, John Bevan",
volume="25",
number="6",
pages="603-607",
abstract="OBJECTIVES: The aims of this research were to characterise the injury patterns associated with nail guns, highlight their potential complications and review treatment options.   METHODS: A retrospective case series was conducted of all patients with a nail gun injury to the upper or lower limb who presented to the Princess Alexandra Hospital from 1 January 2007 to 30 July 2012.   RESULTS: Young men in the work environment were at most risk of sustaining a nail gun injury to their non-dominant hand. Out of 87 cases identified, 29% were intra-articular, 16% had evidence of neurovascular injury, 24% involved bone and 37% had evidence of tendon injury. Fifty-eight per cent underwent operative management, 32% were treated solely in the ED and 10% were transferred to a private facility. At the time of operation, 14% of cases had tendon, joint or neurovascular involvement and 20% had retained foreign material. The median length of operation was 17 min and no anaesthetic complications were identified. Four (13%) patients had ongoing pain, paraesthesia or stiffness at the time of follow up.   CONCLUSIONS: The present study characterises the injury patterns caused by nail guns. Treatment of these injuries should be based on clinical findings; however, the majority of cases should undergo surgical treatment. The required operation is a short and safe treatment modality that might allow a thorough assessment of the injury, removal of embedded material, repair of structural damage and a sterile washout to be performed.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="1742-6731",
doi="10.1111/1742-6723.12143",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/1742-6723.12143"
}