Pediatric upper extremity fence-penetrating traumas

Abstract

Purpose: Penetrating hand injuries related to sharp metal or wooden fences are rarely reported in pediatric population. Most of these traumas occur after accidentally falling on the fence. The aim of this study is to evaluate the characteristics of the patients suffering from fence injuries and to present our management. Materials and Methods: In this study, 14 patients admitted to our emergency department with fence postpenetrating traumas between March 2013 and April 2016 were retrospectively examined. Eleven pediatric patients with fence postpenetrating trauma to upper extremity were included. Patient demographics, zone of injury, injury type, surgical intervention, and follow-up results were documented. Statistical analysis was performed using Chi-square test. Results: In the past 4 years, 11 patients aged 4 to 15 years with fence-related upper extremity traumas were treated in our clinic. Preteen age group was the most affected group. The most commonly penetrated region was below the elbow (7 patients). All wounds were surgically explored for accompanying injuries and repaired if any neurovascular or muscle injuries were present. Conclusion: To be able to prevent and appropriately treat these types of injuries in children, it is necessary to surgically explore and understand the mechanism.

Keywords

• Hand
• penetrating
• trauma