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Open Access
CC BY 4.0 · Indian J Plast Surg
DOI: 10.1055/s-0045-1807242
Original Article

High-Pressure Injection Injuries of the Hand: Our Experience and Literature Review

Authors

  • Anand Prasath Jayachandiran 

    1   Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Saveetha Medical College and Hospital, Thandalam, Tamil Nadu, India

  • Manoj Ananthappan 

    1   Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Saveetha Medical College and Hospital, Thandalam, Tamil Nadu, India

  • Vasireddy Divya

    2   Department of General Surgery, Saveetha Medical College and Hospital, Thandalam, Tamil Nadu, India

  • Surya Rao Rao Venkata Mahipathy 

    1   Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Saveetha Medical College and Hospital, Thandalam, Tamil Nadu, India

  • Alagar Raja Durairaj

    1   Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Saveetha Medical College and Hospital, Thandalam, Tamil Nadu, India

  • Suresh Rajendran

    1   Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Saveetha Medical College and Hospital, Thandalam, Tamil Nadu, India

Funding None.
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Abstract

Background

High-pressure injection injuries are serious and often underestimated traumas that can lead to severe soft tissue damage, ischemia, infection, and even amputation. These injuries commonly occur in industrial settings, particularly affecting young male workers handling chemicals.

Materials and Methods

Seven male patients with high-pressure hand injection injuries from November 2019 to December 2024 were evaluated retrospectively. Immediate debridement and broad-spectrum antibiotics were administered. Follow-up assessed the recovery and functional outcomes.

Results

Out of seven patients, one was managed conservatively and the others required multiple debridements, with two presenting with infections and one with compartment syndrome. X-rays confirmed the presence of foreign bodies in all cases. Soft tissue defects were addressed using reconstructive techniques. One patient developed finger stiffness, and two were lost to follow-up. In most cases, aggressive early intervention and debridement reduced infection and preserved hand function, although some patients experienced prolonged recovery due to tissue loss and the need for flap coverage.

Conclusion

High-pressure injection injuries require rapid recognition and management, as delays increase the risk of infection, necrosis, and functional impairment. Early, thorough debridement is essential, especially with materials like paint thinner significantly elevating the risk of amputation. This study emphasizes educating emergency physicians on early recognition and intervention for optimal outcomes.

Keywords

hand - high pressure - injection injury

Ethical Approval

All procedures performed in studies involving human participants were in accordance with the ethical standards of the institutional and/or national research committee ethical standards. Institutional Scientific Review Board number: 596/06/2025/Faculty/SRB/SMCH


Patients' Consent

The authors confirm that written informed consent was obtained from patients for publication of this article including use of images.




Publication History

Article published online:
29 October 2025

© 2025. The Author(s). This is an open access article published by Thieme under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, permitting unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction so long as the original work is properly cited. (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

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