Angle Grinder Injuries in the Upper Extremity: An Epidemiological Study

Introduction: This study evaluated hand and forearm injuries caused by angle grinders and identify the risk factors. Methods: Between 2020 and 2022, 79 patients with hand and forearm injuries due to angle grinder were retrospectively evaluated. Data were obtained from the hospital database and telephone interviews with patients. Age, gender, education level, employment status and work experience, smoking, and alcohol use were recorded. The injury location and structures were evaluated. The time of injury and use of protective gloves were recorded. The Modified Hand Injury Severity Score (MHISS) was used to determine the severity of the injury. The return to work times of actively working patients were recorded. Results: Seventy-nine patients with angle grinder injuries were included in the study. All patients were male. Dominant side injury was in 17 (21.5%) patients. The most frequently injured area was the dorsal hand, and the most frequently injured structure was the extensor tendon. The mean MHISS was 49.15 (4-280) and 39 (49.4%) patients had minor injuries. The mean return to work was 7.13 (2-32) weeks. No correlation was found between age, work experience, and MHISS (p=0.167 p=0.389). There was a correlation between the use of protective gloves and MHISS (p=0.002). Conclusion: Injuries to the hand and forearm caused by angle grinder usage can result in serious work-related disabilities. These injuries can be reduced by increasing safety precautions and training.