Glass injuries of the hand (Statistical, Anatomical and Pathologic Study)

Glass injuries constitute an important group of the hand injuries. 201 injuries of the 192 upper extremities of the 188 cases who applied to the Istanbul Hand Surgery and Microsurgery Center, Between 1993-1995 and registration forms and files have been completed very well were included in this study for determination of the statistical, anatomical and pathologic characteristics of these injuries. In this retrospective study, the mean age was 25.7 (1, 5-66) year. Dominant hands were injured in 75% (144 cases). 2 injuries were in the arm and axillary region, 68 (31%) were in the forearm, 87 (39.7) were in the wrist and 44 (20%) were in the hand. While skin injuries were seen only 6 extremities, 129 (67%) extremities have arterial injury. Ulnar artery was the most frequently injured artery and radial, digital, brachial and axillary arteries have been injured respectively. Nerve injury was seen in 135 (70.4%) extremities. Ulnar nerve was the most frequently injured nerve (28.1%) followed by median nerve was 24.4% and radial nerve was 2.08 respectively. Tendon injuries were seen in 176 extremities. Flexor tendon injuries were 143 (74.4), extensor tendon injuries were 22 (11.4%) and combined flexor and extensor tendon injuries were 11 (5.7%).