%0 Journal Article
%T Functional outcome of high-pressure injection injuries of the hand
%J Journal of trauma
%D 2001
%A Burke, F. D.
%A Woodbridge, S.
%A Melikyan, E. Y.
%A Christodoulou, L.
%V 50
%N 4
%P 717-720
%X BACKGROUND: High-pressure injection (HPI) injury of the hand is a serious injury that can be potentially devastating. There have been a number of publications on the results of its treatment, but we are not aware of a report on the functional outcome of these hands. METHODS: We assessed the functional outcome of 15 patients with HPI injuries. All patients were treated operatively, with a mean delay of 11.7 hours. The patients were examined by a doctor and an occupational therapist using a work simulator. RESULTS: Our study revealed a significant reduction of static and dynamic muscle testing parameters compared with the uninjured hand. Six patients lost a digit and four patients had to change their occupation after the injury. CONCLUSION: Deterioration of hand function is a predictable outcome of HPI injury. This information should be shared with the patient at the outset so as to avoid subsequent disappointment.
%G 
%I Lippincott Williams and Wilkins
%@ 0022-5282
%U http://dx.doi.org/