Whisk finger: an electric hand whisk injury with an ischaemic fingertip

Dargan D,Caddick J,Mazur K,Radakrishnan G

doi:10.15761/srj.1000158

Abstract

A 38 year old lady sustained an injury to her left ring finger from an electric whisk which became intertwined around the pulp and nail complex, causing multiple lacerations, with ischaemia of the tip of the digit, in a previously undescribed pattern of injury. The apparent complexity of the wire loops led to initial uncertainty as to whether to remove the whisk in the Emergency Department. However, following consultation with the plastic surgery on-call team, wire cutters were used to divide the metal loops and remove the whisk under digital block, and perfusion returned immediately, preserving the digit. Despite initial concerns regarding the possible role for reconstruction or revascularisation, minimal surgical intervention was required as a daycase.

Highlights

Foreign body injuries to the hand encompass a wide range of presentations and mechanisms, and penetrating metal injuries may present a challenge in terms of management [1]
An electric whisk injury to the hand has not been reported to our knowledge
A 38 year old right handed lady presented to the emergency room with the beater component of an electric hand whisk entangled through the pulp and nail complex of the left ring finger, with ischaemia of the fingertip (Figures 1-3)

Summary

Background

Foreign body injuries to the hand encompass a wide range of presentations and mechanisms, and penetrating metal injuries may present a challenge in terms of management [1]. A 38 year old right handed lady presented to the emergency room with the beater component of an electric hand whisk entangled through the pulp and nail complex of the left ring finger, with ischaemia of the fingertip (Figures 1-3). The injury was sustained as the removable metal beater was replaced into the machine, while the electrical hand whisk was powered on, resulting in the beater rotating immediately and thereby intertwining the ring finger in the spinning metal. Plain radiographs were performed to evaluate for fractures and assess the position of the metal loops of the whisk (Figures 4 and 5). Clinical photographs of the penetrating metal object lodged within the ring finger, demonstrating volar and dorsal wounds, and ischaemia of the pulp. Fingertip perfusion returned immediately, the pulp became pink, and the capillary refill returned to normal (Figures 6-8). The splint was removed and mobilisation with hand therapy encouraged (Figures 13 and 14)

Discussion

Conclusion

Findings

Funding and conflict of interest