Hand injuries from cassava milling machine in sub-urban Nigeria

Background: Nigeria is the highest cassava producer in the world. The processing of cassava tubers into a valuable product involves grinding in locally fabricated machines. This process exposes the hand to injuries. Aim: The aim of this study is to investigate the pattern of presentation and outcome of hand injury from locally fabricated cassava milling machines in our rural plastic surgery practice. Materials and Methods: This is a prospective clinical audit of patients with hand injuries from cassava milling machines managed in Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital from January 2010 to December 2011. Demographic data, type of injury and outcome were documented and analyzed. Result: There were 33 patients who had injuries from locally fabricated cassava milling machines. Females in the second decade of life were mostly affected. Mutilating injury involving digits 2, 3, 4 and 5 of the dominant hand was the main finding. Although, no amputation was recorded, stiffness was a major complication. Conclusion: We observed that the dominant hand of female teenagers is mostly at risk in locally fabricated cassava milling machine hand injuries. This injury is preventable.