The Importance of Primary Reconstruction in the Treatment of Blast Related Hand Injuries During Childhood

Abstract

Introduction Blast injuries are common during wartime but are also related to various holiday festivals worldwide. Despite strict legislations, these devices still cause serious injuries leaving permanent disabilities. Children are affected in numerous cases with the hand being the most affected body region. The aim of our study was to profile the blast related hand injuries and to review treatment modalities that we used. Methods A retrospective study of patients treated for blast-devices related hand injuries between 2006 and 2015 was performed. Results 112 patient with blast related hand injuries were treated in our department during the 10-year period. Most of the patients were male. The dominant hand was injured in 83.9% of the patients. Associated injuries were observed in 14.3% of patients. 90 children were treated on an out-patient basis, mostly due to hand burns (86.7%) or uncomplicated blast injuries (13.3%). 22 children required hospitalization due to severe blast and crush injuries and amputations. Surgery was carried out as the urgent procedure and involved debridement with primary repair. In the case of amputations debridement and sufficient skin ensuring complete wound coverage was the procedure of choice. Conclusion Blast related injuries of the hand during childhood are frequent and can cause different and complex defects. Besides prevention of these injuries, primary reconstruction of the affected hand is of outmost importance in preventing long-term consequences.