Original ArticleNo Access

Treatment of Multiple Finger Laceration Caused by Green Onion Cutting Machines in South Korea

Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Samsung Changwon Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Republic of Korea

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Byeong Seon KONG

Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Busan Micro Hospital, Busan, Republic of Korea

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Hyo Seok JANG

Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Inje University Haeundae Paik Hospital, Inje University College of Medicine, Busan, Republic of Korea

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Sang Ho KWAK

Department of Orthopedic Surgery, SNU Seoul Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea

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Tae Hyeon PARK

Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Samsung Changwon Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Republic of Korea

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, and

Sang Hyun LEE

Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Medical Research Institute, Pusan National University Hospital, Busan, Republic of Korea

E-mail Address: handsurgeon@naver.com

Correspondence to: Sang Hyun Lee, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Medical Research Institute, Pusan National University, Hospital, 179, Gudeok-ro, Seo-gu, Pusan, Busan 49241, Republic of Korea. Tel: +82-51-240-8718.

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https://doi.org/10.1142/S242483552350011XCited by:0 (Source: Crossref)

Abstract

Background: Finger injuries caused by green onion cutting machines in Korean kitchens have unique characteristics of an incomplete amputation in which multiple parallel soft tissues and blood vessels are injured in the same form. In this study, we aimed to describe unique finger injuries and to report the treatment outcomes and experiences of performing possible soft tissue reconstructions.

Methods: This case series study included 65 patients (82 fingers) from December 2011 to December 2015. The mean age was 50.5 years. We retrospectively classified the presence of fractures and the degree of damage in patients. The injured area involvement level was categorised as distal, middle or proximal. The direction was categorised as sagittal, coronal, oblique or transverse. The treatment results were compared according to the amputation direction and injury area.

Results: Of the 65 patients, 35 had a partial finger necrosis and needed additional surgeries. Finger reconstructions were performed through stump revision or local or free flap use. The survival rate was significantly lower in patients with fractures. As for the injury area, distal involvement led to 17 out of 57 patients displaying necrosis and all 5 patients showing the same in proximal involvement.

Conclusions: Unique finger injuries caused by green onion cutting machines can easily be treated with simple sutures. Then prognosis is affected by the extent of injury and the presence of fractures. Reconstruction is necessary for finger necrosis owing to extensive blood vessel damage and limitations when making this selection.

Level of Evidence: Level IV (Therapeutic)

Keywords:

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