Paint and Grease Gun Injuries of the Hand

Abstract

PENETRATING high-velocity injection wounds of the hand caused by grease and paint are common. They are surgical emergencies and require immediate decompression. To treat these wounds by expectant observation can cause catastrophic results with eventual amputation of digits. A review of the literature shows 73 pressure gun injuries of the hand. 1-3 There were 30 grease gun injuries of which 12 resulted in amputation. There were 23 paint gun injuries of which ten required amputation. The nozzles of paint and grease guns emit a fine jet stream from 600 to 7,000 pounds per square inch. 4 This is like the muzzle velocity of a rifle. Paint or grease fired at these velocities through small nozzles drives the jet stream through the skin and then it spreads along fascial planes, tendon sheaths, and even neurovascular bundles. After entering the finger, the paint or grease may be found in the palm, wrist,