Penetrating injury of the hand with a door handle: a case report

INTRODUCTION Penetrating injuries of the hand with various sharp objects have previously been reported. In this report we describe an unusual penetrating injury of the hand caused by a door handle. CASE PRESENTATION A 32-year-old woman presented with a door handle stuck into her hand. After a preliminary assessment she was immediately taken to theatre. Broad spectrum antibiotics were administered along with tetanus toxoid. Soft tissue, including neurovascular integrity, was assessed and confirmed during the operation. She had a good functional recovery at follow-up. CONCLUSION A door handle can occasionally cause a penetrating injury of the hand which should be treated with early intervention, including a careful assessment of soft tissue and neurovascular integrity.