Injuries to the hand inflicted by rotary snowcutters

In the period January 1, 1975, through December 31, 1986, 28 patients were treated for hand injuries caused by small home rotary snowcutters. These injuries were characterized by extensive lacerations and contusions, particularly on the dorsal side of the hand and the fingers, with concomitant extensor tendon ruptures, comminuted and complicated fractures, and traumatic amputations of fingers of the dominant hand. The index and middle finger were nearly always injured; the thumb was usually totally spared. The frequency of postoperative complications was low after delayed primary surgical treatment. In this series the mean permanent medical disablement was found to be 12%, ranging from 0 to 50%. The present observations, when made available, alarmed national authorities. In turn, manufacturers were required to equip rotary snowcutters with motorquenchers. This device will probably effectively prevent these injuries in the future.