Snowblower injuries hand injury and reconstruction by Dr. Bermant Plastic & Hand Surgery

Snowblower hand injuries can be devastating - by Dr. Michael Bermant, MD plastic hand & cosmetic surgery.

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Many snowblower injuries result in mangled tissue not able to be repaired. Here is one case where most fingers were lost. "I knew I should not have stuck my hand in there to unclog the machine." The patient knew better. Many get frustrated with wet snow and machines that clog.

Snowblower Injury
The injury	1 month after surgery

The blades crush and tear tissue at multiple levels making salvage difficult at best, and more probably not possible. The amputations however can result in a functional hand. Tools were modified so the patient could continue with his hobbies. Prevention, however is much better.

The goal of plastic surgical hand reconstruction is to keep as much length as possible. Longer fingers usually mean a greater hand function. The thumb is the most important of the digits. Flaps (tissue with the blood supply still attached) were moved to cover the injured ends. Good hand therapy is essential for maximal recovery.

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