Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
Ulusal Travma ve Acil Cerrahi Dergisi, cilt.31, sa.10, ss.1026-1031, 2025 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
BACKGROUND: Electric pruning shears have become increasingly popular in Türkiye, particularly in regions where viticulture and olive cultivation are common. Although these tools offer ergonomic advantages, they also pose a significant risk of hand injuries. While injuries from other agricultural machinery have been documented in the literature, electric pruning shear injuries have not been systematically studied. Clinical observations of increased emergency admissions during the pruning season prompted this study. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 28 patients admitted to our emergency department between November 2024 and March 2025 due to electric pruning shear injuries. Demographic data, injury mechanisms, affected anatomical zones, and associated tissue damage were recorded. Injuries were classified according to the volar hand injury zones and Ishikawa’s classification. The time of injury, use of protective equipment, and patient training status were also evaluated. RESULTS: All patients sustained single-digit injuries distal to the metacarpophalangeal joint. The average age was 53.6 years, and 92.9% were male. Injuries predominantly affected the non-dominant hand (82.1%), with the index finger being the most commonly injured (39.1%). Twenty-seven patients were not wearing protective gloves, and none had received formal training in device use. Neurovascular injury was present in 20 cases, and distal circulation was absent at admission in 13 patients. Smoking was reported by 78.5% of patients. All injuries occurred during daylight hours, with a peak incidence around 2 p.m. Three patients were under 18, and five were over 70 years old, highlighting both the accessibility and physical risks associated with the device. CONCLUSION: Electric pruning shear injuries have emerged as a significant occupational hazard in agricultural regions. Ease of access, lack of training, and low awareness of protective measures contribute to their increasing frequency. Public health strategies such as safety regulations, mandatory training programs, and awareness campaigns are urgently needed. Further prospective studies are needed to evaluate functional outcomes and broader seasonal injury patterns.