Hand injury from powered wood splitters

We describe the types of hand injury sustained from powered wood splitters. Information about all patients with such injuries treated at the Department of Hand Surgery, University Hospital, Uppsala, during the period 1995–2001 was collected from their records, and from written questionnaires and telephone interviews. Fourteen of the 131 patients found were below the age of 15. There was no change in the annual injury rate for inpatients. Wedge splitters caused 82% and screw splitters 18% of all injuries. The part of the hand most often injured by screw splitters was the metacarpus and by wedge splitters the index finger. Screw splitters caused palmar perforation, avulsion of the thumb, and shredding injuries. Traumatic amputation and devascularising injuries were also common. Hand injury from powered wood splitters is an important and continuing problem. Most injuries are caused by wedge splitters, injuries caused by screw splitters differ from those caused by wedge splitters. Preventive measures are needed and should include keeping children away from splitters. Further research to facilitate prevention is warranted.