Glass Related Hand and Wrist Injury: Accidental or Sudden Anger

Abstract

Aim: Traumatic hand and wrist injuries are the type of injuries commonly-seen in emergency service. Hand and wrist injuries related to punching windows due to sudden discomposes are frequent in our country. The aim of this study is to analyze clinical and demographic specifications in patients with hand and wrist injuries related to glass cuts according to reasons they occur.
Method: History of the files of patients who applied to the Emergency Service of the Medical Faculty of Dicle University with injuries due to glass cuts has been examined. Demographic data of the patients have been registered in the standard work form. Demographic data have been statistically assessed.
Results: One hundred fifty four patients were included into the study. 53.8% of the patients constituted those who punched on the glass due to sudden discompose. Punching on the glass was more frequently observed in men (97.6% n=81), right hand injuries being the most (78.3%, n=65) frequent for punching group. Twenty four (28.9%) patients with injuries related to glass punching were alcohol users and injury rates of radial artery, ulnar nerve, median nerve and ulnar artery have been found considerably higher.
Discussion: A careful artery, nerve and tendon examination of the patients applying to the emergency room with hand - wrist injuries needs to be provided, and especially early checking has to be provided in patients with alcohol so that post function losses might not happen because injuries of these anatomic structures appear together.