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Snowblower Injuries to the Hand: Epidemiology, Patterns of Injury, and Strategies for Prevention
Daniel Master, M.D., Alan Babigian, M.D.
University Hospitals Case Medical Center
2010-03-28
Presenter: Daniel Master, M.D.
Affidavit:
Director Name:
Author Category: Resident/Fellow
Presentation Category: Clinical
Abstract Category: Hand
Introduction
Snowblower injuries to the hand continue to occur at an alarming rate. The purpose of this study was to review a consecutive series of snowblower-induced hand injuries to elucidate potential contributors to injury and to develop strategies for prevention.
Methods
The medical records and questionnaires from patients who sustained snowblower injuries to the hand between 2002 and 2005 were retrospectively reviewed. In addition, the National Climatic Data Center archives were accessed to determine the weather conditions associated with each injury.
Results
A total of 22 patients made up the cohort for this study. The combination of older machines (mean machine age of 21 years), with fewer safety measures, and warmer temperatures (mean temperature at the time of injury: 29 degrees Farenheit) universally set the stage for injury. All patients injured themselves by placing a hand into the exit chute in an attempt to clear the wetter and heavier snow associated with these warmer temperatures.
The majority of patients (77%) reported being aware of safety warnings at the time of injury but, nonetheless, injured themselves with the machine running (82%). The most common injury pattern was multiple digit injury (mean of 2 digits) on the dominant hand (68%).
Conclusion
Snowblower injuries to the hand are associated with significant operator experience, older machines, and specific weather patterns. Injuries may be prevented by improving snowblower safety features and by making brief public service announcements prior to the onset of characteristic weather patterns.
