Carpenter Suffers Permanent Injuries After Doctors Fail to Re-Attach Fingers

Case Overview

This case involves a 37-year-old female carpenter who suffered a severe hand injury. The carpenter was using a table saw in her studio to cut wood for a set of dining room furniture. While using the saw, she severed her index and middle finger. She presented to the hospital but they were not able to reattach the fingers. As a result, the carpenter suffered permanent neurological damage and lost the severed fingers. An orthopedic surgeon was sought to discuss whether or not the hospital rendered the appropriate care.

Questions to the Hand Surgery expert and their responses

How often do you treat patients who present with similar injuries?

I have significant experience treating similar injuries. In the past year alone, I have replanted about 20-30 digits, and have treated MANY more with table saw injuries that were not replantable or salvageable. These commonly come to our institution as we are the only replant hospital in our area.

Are you familiar with the proper steps and protocols that need to be followed in order to salvage fingers?

I am more than familiar with these processes and I am currently involved in a multi center research project evaluating patients who have received either replants or revision amputations.

About the expert

This expert obtained her BS in biology from the University of Richmond and her MD from the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine. She completed an internship in general surgery, a residency in plastic and reconstructive surgery, and a fellowship in orthopedic hand surgery at the Mayo Clinic. She is board-certified in plastic surgery and hand surgery and is a member of multiple prestigious hand surgery associations. She is currently an Assistant Professor of Surgery and the Director of the Hand Fellowship Program at a top medical school in the Midwest. She remains active clinically as a physician at a top hospital in the Midwest.