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The only practice in Western Massachusetts exclusively dedicated to the care of the hand and upper extremity.
Monday, December 14, 2015
Who is the owner of this famous hand?
Wednesday, November 25, 2015
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Saturday, August 22, 2015
Friday, July 17, 2015
Firecracker or Fireworks Injuries
Firecracker or Fireworks Injuries
With all the recent media attention on Fire works HAND injury it important to review safety tips and to remind the public that this is not a new problem. The ASSH, State Fire Marshalls, Public officlals and Health Care Personnel have been advocating for Fireworks Safety for years to try to prevent these injuries.
According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, national losses involving fireworks amount to 3 deaths and 10,527 injuries annually. Hand and finger injuries are the most common and account for 32 percent of all injuries. Head and eye injuries occur with about the same frequency, equaling 19 and 18 percent of total injuries.
Furthermore recent data from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission,revealed that 50% of all reported fireworks-related injuries from June 17-July 17, 2011, were to fingers, hands, and arms. These injuries included burns, lacerations, fractures, and traumatic amputation.
2013 Report Data reveals In 2013, there were eight deaths and an estimated 11,400 consumers who sustained injuries related to fireworks. This is an increase from 8,700 injuries in 2012. Sixty-five percent, or 7,400, of the injuries in 2013 occurred in the 30 days surrounding July 4, 2013. CPSC staff reviewed fireworks incident reports from hospital emergency rooms, death certificate files, news clippings and other sources to estimate deaths, injuries and incident scenarios. Injuries were frequently the result of the user playing with lit fireworks or igniting fireworks while holding the device. Consumers also reported injuries related to devices that malfunctioned or devices that did not work as expected, including injuries due to errant flight paths, devices that tipped over and blowouts.
Of the finger, hand, and arm injuries, the majority of injuries were caused from accidents involving firecrackers, bottle rockets, and sparklers— the three firework-types most often used in a backyard environment. Accidents involving firecrackers, bottle rockets, and hand-held sparklers totaled 57% of all firework injuries (source: American Pyrotechnic Association).
A review of firework mishaps shows a variety of factors contribute to the typical mishap. Most pre-school age victims are injured by fireworks ignited by someone else, while older children who are injured are usually lighting the fireworks themselves. Children under age five are commonly hurt by rocket-type fireworks; small firecrackers and ground spinners injure the majority of children between the ages of 5 and 14. Most of the injuries associated with large, illegal firecrackers such as M-80's are to older teenagers or adults.
For more information concerning fireworks safety click here.
Wednesday, July 8, 2015
Thursday, June 11, 2015
WHEN TO USE HEAT OR ICE?
DESCRIPTION
Applying heat or ice is a common method for treating injuries, stiffness, swelling and pain.When used for fingers, hands and wrists, it can be very helpful for:
- Recent injuries (bruises or fractures) or chronic injuries
- Swelling
- Stiffness
- Irritation
DESCRIPTION
Applying heat or ice is a common method for treating injuries, stiffness, swelling and pain.When used for fingers, hands and wrists, it can be very helpful for:
- Recent injuries (bruises or fractures) or chronic injuries
- Swelling
- Stiffness
- Irritation
Benefits of Heat Treatments
Heat or warmth will help get things moving by speeding up the molecules in tissues and increasing blood flow. Heat is helpful for stiff joints and muscles, and can be useful prior to an activity. We often see an athlete warming up before a workout.
A warm shower or bath can help sore, stiff joints, especially in the early morning. A warm compress or heating pad can also relieve stiffness (Figure 1); however, too much heat could cause fainting, swelling, or burns to skin and tissues, so use heat treatments with moderation.
Heat or warmth will help get things moving by speeding up the molecules in tissues and increasing blood flow. Heat is helpful for stiff joints and muscles, and can be useful prior to an activity. We often see an athlete warming up before a workout.
A warm shower or bath can help sore, stiff joints, especially in the early morning. A warm compress or heating pad can also relieve stiffness (Figure 1); however, too much heat could cause fainting, swelling, or burns to skin and tissues, so use heat treatments with moderation.
A warm shower or bath can help sore, stiff joints, especially in the early morning. A warm compress or heating pad can also relieve stiffness (Figure 1); however, too much heat could cause fainting, swelling, or burns to skin and tissues, so use heat treatments with moderation.
Benefits of Ice Treatments
If there is pain, swelling and irritation after an activity, ice treatments can reduce these symptoms. Cold slows down the molecules in tissues and reduces blood flow.
The most common cold treatments are ice or something that has been made cold by placing it in the freezer, such as a gel pack (Figure 2). Apply ice for 15 minutes, then allow a 15-minute rest before reapplying.
As with heat, too much cold can slow down and stiffen sore joints, so use this treatment with moderation. Applying ice or anything extremely cold to bare skin can cause injury.Always wrap the source of cold in some sort of fabric. If a bandage or splint is too thick and the cold is not getting through, apply the cold near the area on exposed skin. Stop using ice if you feel extreme pain or numbness due to the cold.
If there is pain, swelling and irritation after an activity, ice treatments can reduce these symptoms. Cold slows down the molecules in tissues and reduces blood flow.
The most common cold treatments are ice or something that has been made cold by placing it in the freezer, such as a gel pack (Figure 2). Apply ice for 15 minutes, then allow a 15-minute rest before reapplying.
As with heat, too much cold can slow down and stiffen sore joints, so use this treatment with moderation. Applying ice or anything extremely cold to bare skin can cause injury.Always wrap the source of cold in some sort of fabric. If a bandage or splint is too thick and the cold is not getting through, apply the cold near the area on exposed skin. Stop using ice if you feel extreme pain or numbness due to the cold.
The most common cold treatments are ice or something that has been made cold by placing it in the freezer, such as a gel pack (Figure 2). Apply ice for 15 minutes, then allow a 15-minute rest before reapplying.
As with heat, too much cold can slow down and stiffen sore joints, so use this treatment with moderation. Applying ice or anything extremely cold to bare skin can cause injury.Always wrap the source of cold in some sort of fabric. If a bandage or splint is too thick and the cold is not getting through, apply the cold near the area on exposed skin. Stop using ice if you feel extreme pain or numbness due to the cold.
Special Treatments
Some special and more advanced heat or ice treatments may be used under the supervision of a therapist or physician. Some options may include:
- Therapeutic ultrasound: A qualified therapist will use ultrasound to slowly heat deeper tissues to help motion.
- Contrast bath: This is a bath that involves alternating heat and cold.
- Paraffin or warm wax: This can be used to apply heat via machines that are highly regulated and use a wax mixture that avoids skin burns.
Use caution when implementing ice or heat treatments. Monitor time and the condition of your skin, and always test the hot or cold item before applying. Contact your physician or therapist for assistance.
© 2014 American Society for Surgery of the Hand
A blue reusable soft gel-filled cold and hot pack to relieve pain inside a fabric pouch
Close-up Of Hand Holding Ice Gel Pack On Elbow
Some special and more advanced heat or ice treatments may be used under the supervision of a therapist or physician. Some options may include:
- Therapeutic ultrasound: A qualified therapist will use ultrasound to slowly heat deeper tissues to help motion.
- Contrast bath: This is a bath that involves alternating heat and cold.
- Paraffin or warm wax: This can be used to apply heat via machines that are highly regulated and use a wax mixture that avoids skin burns.
Use caution when implementing ice or heat treatments. Monitor time and the condition of your skin, and always test the hot or cold item before applying. Contact your physician or therapist for assistance.
© 2014 American Society for Surgery of the Hand
 |
| A blue reusable soft gel-filled cold and hot pack to relieve pain inside a fabric pouch |
 |
| Close-up Of Hand Holding Ice Gel Pack On Elbow |
Monday, April 27, 2015
SPRING IS HERE,... FINALLY! remember your LAWNMOWER SAFETY
help us to promote
MORE RESOURCES:
ASSH LAWNMOWER SAFETY
Never let children operate lawnmowers. Keep kids 15 years of age and younger away when lawnmowers are in use.
Children should not be in the yard while the lawn is being mowed.
No riders other than the operator, regardless of age, should be allowed on a riding mower.
Be sure the motor has been turned off before inspecting or repairing power lawnmower equipment.
Do not tamper with safety release switches.
Keep lawnmowers in good working order with sharp blades.
Remove stones, toys and other objects from the lawn before you start mowing.
Wear protective gloves, goggles, boots and long pants when you use lawnmowers. Never mow barefoot or in
sandals.
Use caution when mowing hills and slopes. Mow across with a push mower; mow up and down with a riding
mower. Do not cut wet grass.
Be sure the motor is off before inspecting or repairing lawnmower equipment.
Read the instruction manual before using a lawnmower.
Be sober (i.e., don’t drink and mow.)
Do not remove safety devices, shield or guards on switches, and keep hands and feet away from moving parts.
Stay away from the engine cowling, as it can become very hot and burn unprotected flesh.
Add fuel before starting the engine, not when it is running or hot.
Use a stick or broom handle (not your hands or feet) to remove debris in lawnmowers or snowblowers.
Do not leave a lawnmower unattended when it is running. If you must walk away from the machine, shut off the
engine.
March 1998. Revised December 2008 American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.
This material may not be modified without the express written permission of the American Academy of Orthopaedic
Surgeons .
Position Statement 1142
For additional information, contact Public Relations Department at 847-384-4031.
-PRIVACY POLICY- Disclaimers & Agreement Advertising & Sponsorship Contact AAOS Technical Requirements Careers
6300 North River Road Rosemont, Illinois 60018-4262 Phone 847.823.7186 Fax 847.823.8125
© 1995-2009 by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. "All Rights Reserved." This website and its contents may not be reproduced in whole
or in part without written permission. "American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons" and its associated seal and "American Association of Orthopaedic
Surgeons" and its logo are all registered U.S. trademarks and may not be used without written permission.
Surgeons" and its logo are all registered U.S. trademarks and may not be used without written permission.
MORE RESOURCES:
ASSH LAWNMOWER SAFETY
Keep Your Hands Safe: Follow Lawnmower Safety Tips
Each year, more than 74,000 small children, adolescents and adults are injured by rotary, hand and riding power mowers due to improper handling. The American Society for Surgery of the Hand would like to provide you with patient information to help you avoid these injuries.
Kinetics of Rotary Power LawnmowersKinetic energy (motion) imparted by a standard rotary blade is comparable to the energy generated by dropping a 21-pound weight from a height of 100 feet or is equal to three times the muzzle energy of a .357 Magnum pistol. Blade speed can eject a piece of wire or an object at speeds up to 100 miles per hour.
Injury Profile
Adults 25-64 years
Children under age five
22% involve wrist, hand or finger
14% involve foot, ankle or toes
25% of all hand and foot injuries result in amputation
Deaths occurred in children under six years of age
Common Injury Patterns
Remember the following:
Copyright © American Society for Surgery of the Hand 2009.
Kinetics of Rotary Power LawnmowersKinetic energy (motion) imparted by a standard rotary blade is comparable to the energy generated by dropping a 21-pound weight from a height of 100 feet or is equal to three times the muzzle energy of a .357 Magnum pistol. Blade speed can eject a piece of wire or an object at speeds up to 100 miles per hour.
Injury Profile
Adults 25-64 years
Children under age five
22% involve wrist, hand or finger
14% involve foot, ankle or toes
25% of all hand and foot injuries result in amputation
Deaths occurred in children under six years of age
Common Injury Patterns
- Direct contact with rotating or jammed blade
- Serious avulsion (tearing/separating) injuries to soft tissue and bones
- Gross contamination from contact with grass and soil harboring pathogens
- Injuries requiring multiple staged surgeries to cleanse wounds and provide soft tissue coverage (to regenerate healthy tissue/skin)
- Wet grass
- Damp ground
- Passengers (adult/child) on riding mowers or in cart towed behind mower
- Mower being pulled backward
- Sloping lawn mowed by power mower up and down slope, instead of across
- Sloping lawn mowed by riding mower across slope, instead of up and down
- Wearing sandals or open-toed shoes
- Operator attempts to unclog blades with hand or foot
Remember the following:
- Read your mower's instruction manual prior to use.
- DO NOT REMOVE safety devices or guards on switches.
- NEVER insert hands or feet into the mower to remove grass or debris. Even with the motor turned off, the blade remains engaged.
- ALWAYS use a stick or broom handle to remove any obstruction.
- NEVER cut grass when it is wet or when the ground is damp.
- NEVER allow a child to operate the mower at any time or be in the area to be mowed.
- NEVER allow passengers, other than the operator, on riding mowers.
- Keep your mower in good working order with sharp blades.
- DO NOT DRINK before or while using your lawnmower.
- Wear protective boots, goggles, gloves and long pants.
- Do not operate the lawnmower while barefoot.
- Be cautious when mowing hills or slopes.
Copyright © American Society for Surgery of the Hand 2009.
2008 AAOS Position Statement taken from AAOS website by www.handctr.com
Power Lawnmower Safety.
This Position Statement was developed as an educational tool based on the opinion of the authors. It is not a product
of a systematic review. Readers are encouraged to consider the information presented and reach their own
conclusions.
More than 210,000 people – including approximately 16,000 children - were treated in doctors’ offices, clinics and
emergency rooms for lawnmower-related injuries in 2007, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety
Commission. Lawnmower injuries often result in partial or complete amputation of both lower and upper extremities.
The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons believes that the great majority of these injuries are
preventable. The Academy recommends the following safety guidelines when using lawnmower
equipment.
Never let children operate lawnmowers. Keep kids 15 years of age and younger away when lawnmowers are in use.
Children should not be in the yard while the lawn is being mowed.
No riders other than the operator, regardless of age, should be allowed on a riding mower.
Be sure the motor has been turned off before inspecting or repairing power lawnmower equipment.
Do not tamper with safety release switches.
Keep lawnmowers in good working order with sharp blades.
Remove stones, toys and other objects from the lawn before you start mowing.
Wear protective gloves, goggles, boots and long pants when you use lawnmowers. Never mow barefoot or in
sandals.
Use caution when mowing hills and slopes. Mow across with a push mower; mow up and down with a riding
mower. Do not cut wet grass.
Be sure the motor is off before inspecting or repairing lawnmower equipment.
Read the instruction manual before using a lawnmower.
Be sober (i.e., don’t drink and mow.)
Do not remove safety devices, shield or guards on switches, and keep hands and feet away from moving parts.
Stay away from the engine cowling, as it can become very hot and burn unprotected flesh.
Add fuel before starting the engine, not when it is running or hot.
Use a stick or broom handle (not your hands or feet) to remove debris in lawnmowers or snowblowers.
Do not leave a lawnmower unattended when it is running. If you must walk away from the machine, shut off the
engine.
March 1998. Revised December 2008 American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.
This material may not be modified without the express written permission of the American Academy of Orthopaedic
Surgeons .
Position Statement 1142
For additional information, contact Public Relations Department at 847-384-4031.
-PRIVACY POLICY- Disclaimers & Agreement Advertising & Sponsorship Contact AAOS Technical Requirements Careers
6300 North River Road Rosemont, Illinois 60018-4262 Phone 847.823.7186 Fax 847.823.8125
© 1995-2009 by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. "All Rights Reserved." This website and its contents may not be reproduced in whole
or in part without written permission. "American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons" and its associated seal and "American Association of Orthopaedic
Surgeons" and its logo are all registered U.S. trademarks and may not be used without written permission.
Surgeons" and its logo are all registered U.S. trademarks and may not be used without written permission.
LINKS:
Lawn Mower-Related Injuries to Children:Committee on Injury and Poison Prevention
Monday, January 26, 2015
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