Angle grinder-related penetrating hand and forearm injuries: demographics, injury characteristics, and causative factors

Abstract

Objectives: Angle grinders are portable electric tools with a high-speed spinning wheel commonly used in industrial or domestic activities. This study aimed to evaluate the demographics, injury characteristics, and causative factors for penetrating hand and forearm injuries caused by angle grinders. Methods: Patients with penetrating hand and forearm injuries caused by an angle grinder over a 2-year period were evaluated in a tertiary hospital. Demographic, injury, and operative data in the clinical records were reviewed. A questionnaire was completed to determine the cause of the accident in each case. The questionnaire covered the date, time and location of the accident, the injury mechanism and disc type, whether a disc shield, auxiliary handle, gloves and goggles were used, the material being cut, and the operator’s experience and nervousness. Results: The study group included 49 male patients (mean age, 39 years; range: 8–78 years). The right/left ratio was 1:3. The injuries varied widely in severity from single tendon injuries to finger amputations. A powerful kickback, capture of clothes/gloves, and bouncing of the tool off the floor were the most frequent causes of serious injuries to the hand and forearm. Most of the injuries (65%) were sustained in the domestic setting. Conclusion: These tools cause rising number of injuries on the hand and forearm. Individuals with middle-aged or older, engaging in woodworking activities, use of a wood-cutting disc, inexperience, inappropriate handling, and use of the wrong disc for the task in hand were all associated with angle grinder-related penetrating injuries.