Snow blower injuries are extremely common. In 2001, there were more than 5,000 reported snow blower injuries.

Injuries usually involve the hand when it is put in the auger to clear snow that has become stuck. This is more common with wet, heavy snow as we often see in severe Colorado snowstorms. The blade rotates back to its resting position once the snow is cleared, resulting in severe trauma to the portion of the hand that is in the way of the blade.

Snow blower injuries can result in amputations, fractures, injuries to tendons, nerves and arteries. Most snow blower injuries require surgical treatment. This involves microsurgery to repair injured tendons, nerves and blood vessels, fixation of fractures and when possible, reattachment of severed limbs. The surgery is extremely complicated due to the severe trauma sustained. It can be very difficult to regain normal function after these injuries.

Never put your hand or fingers near the moving parts, intake or output areas of snow blowers or lawnmowers. 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. Objects should then be removed with a tool and not the hand or fingers. Snow blowers and lawnmowers should also 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 lawnmower or snow blower. Proper hand and footwear should be used. Non-slip, closed-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.

These injuries are 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; multiple soft tissues and bone may be injured. 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. Often, 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.

Research is underway to improve repairs and reconstructions of mangling hand injuries. Medicines that are placed during an operation may improve nerve healing. Newer suture methods and materials may help improve movement of fingers after surgery. Advances in microsurgical techniques have improved the results of replanted fingers and hands, but if the fingers are too severely crushed and damaged, they may be beyond repair. Prevention of injury by careful operation of these machines is clearly the best approach!

Kavi Sachar, MD
Hand Surgeon
Porter Adventist Hospital
www.porterhospital.org
Hand Surgery Associates
Phone: 303-744-7078
www.cpsc.gov