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Mobile garbage bins and hand injuries in older people
Author(s) -
Niu Rui,
Woodbridge Adam B,
Smith Belinda J,
Ruff Stephen J,
Lawson Richard D
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
medical journal of australia
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.904
H-Index - 131
eISSN - 1326-5377
pISSN - 0025-729X
DOI - 10.5694/mja13.10212
Subject(s) - garbage , psychology , computer science , programming language
Abstract Objectives: To conduct a database search, chart and literature review of open extensor tendon and proximal interphalangeal joint injuries incurred while handling mobile garbage bins. Design, setting and participants: A review of medical records at a Sydney tertiary referral hospital and a NSW rural Level 2 trauma hospital from 1 January 2006 to 31 December 2010, identified through database searches of appropriate medical record codes and followed by a chart review. Results: We identified 11 patients with finger injuries from handling mobile garbage bins that necessitated hospital‐based treatments. Their average age was 75 years. Eight patients required surgery. Patients typically fell while maintaining their grip on mobile garbage bin handles, causing abrasive injury to the dorsal aspect of the proximal interphalangeal joint. Conclusions: Older patients are at risk of significant injuries to the dorsal side of their fingers when manoeuvring mobile garbage bins. This risk could be reduced by providing older members of the community with help to move their bins, or by modifying the design of bin handles. We propose a simple modification to the design of bin handles.