The Dangers of Snow

Take steps to protect yourself during snow removal. By Dr. Kuhlman-Wood, Orthopedic Specialty Institute and Coeur d'Alene Plastic Surgery.

As winter snow is almost a guarantee in our area, it is time to discuss the dangers of the season. Injuries incurred while snowblowing can cause severe damage to the hands. The injury can occur when the person tries to remove an object that is in the way of the snowblower or that has obstructed the machine. This split second decision can lead to devastating cuts, fractures and crush injuries to multiple fingers.

These injuries frequently injure bones, joints, tendons, nerves, arteries, veins, and skin. Tendons attach muscles to bones and help move the fingers. Nerves in the fingers are necessary for feeling. Arteries and veins carry the blood to and from the fingers. It is not uncommon that accidents involving snow blowers result in amputations of fingers and even the hand.

According to the American Society for Surgery of the Hand, there are several things you can do to protect yourself this winter. Never put your hand or fingers near the moving parts, intake or output areas of snowblowers. If there is an object in the way of any part of the machine, the machine should be turned off and spark plug disconnected, or power cord unplugged for electric models, before attempting to remove the object. This minor inconvenience of powering down the snowblower may save you months of recovery. Objects should be removed with a tool and not the hand. Snowblowers should be turned off, spark plug disconnected, and unplugged when they are being moved or picked up. Occasionally, patients slip and a hand or foot gets caught under the snowblower. Proper hand and footwear should be used; nonslip, non-open toe shoes should be worn. Protective gloves can give some protection, but the force from the machine can still cause extensive damage despite the gloves. Also, don’t wear loose clothes or scarves that could get caught in the machine.

If you or someone you love has the misfortune of one of these injuries, they can be extremely severe and often lead to multiple finger amputations. Infections are common; antibiotic medicines are usually necessary. Frequently, multiple surgeries are needed to adequately clean wounds. Surgery is usually required to repair or reconstruct multiple structures.

Unfortunately, most patients with these severe injuries never recover full, normal use of the hand. Oftentimes, fingers have been partially or completely amputated, and remaining parts may not have full motion or feeling. Multiple surgeries and many months of hand, occupational, and physical therapy are usually necessary to maximize movement and function.

Advances in microsurgical techniques have improved the results of replanted fingers and hands, but if the fingers are too severely crushed and damaged, replantation or repair may not be possible. Prevention of injury by careful operation of these machines and respect for the consequences of a misstep is the best approach.

For more information on this topic and other hand injuries visit American Society for Surgery of the Hand, www.handcare.org.

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