Meat grinder-related hand injuries: a 50-year systematic review of case reports

BACKGROUND: Meat grinder-related hand injuries often result in severe tissue damage, including deep lacerations, avulsions, and amputations, leading to significant functional impairments. This systematic review examines injury characteristics, management approaches, and outcomes, based on published case reports and series. METHODS: A systematic review following PRISMA guidelines was conducted using MEDLINE, PubMed, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library. English-language case reports and series from January 1975 to June 2024 were analyzed for demographics, injury patterns, treatments, and outcomes. RESULTS: Thirteen studies comprising 121 patients were included, with a slight female predominance (52.89%). Patient ages ranged from 1 to 42 years, and 21.48% presented with hands still entrapped. Fingers were the most frequently injured site (31.40%). Initial management involved debridement (12.39%) and amputations (9.09%). Microsurgical revascularization was attempted in 4.95% of cases. Follow-up data revealed sensory deficits in 57.14% and motor deficits in 46.42% of patients. Only 3 patients utilized prostheses. CONCLUSIONS: Meat grinder-related hand injuries present significant management challenges, with low replantation rates and high rates of long-term functional deficits. Despite surgical interventions, persistent impairments remain common. Further research is necessary to refine treatment protocols and improve patient outcomes.

Abstract sourced from PubMed (NCBI) for the cited record. See the original publication for the authoritative version.

50-year systematic review of meat-grinder hand-injury case reports including replantation/revascularization with adjunctive therapies.

Erfahren Sie, wie diese Forschung mit der klinischen Praxis verknüpft ist

More peer-reviewed studies in Klinische Studien.

• Leech Therapy for Knee Osteoarthritis — The Landmark RCT — Michalsen et al. (2003)
• Leech-Assisted Flap Salvage — Systematic Review of 277 Cases — Whitaker et al. (2012)
• Effects of hirudotherapy on liver functions, lipid profile, and insulin sensitivity in rats with metabolic syndrome — Bilden A et al. (2026)
• Efficacy and Safety of Hirudotherapy for Improving Sperm Quality Parameters in Male Infertility: A Randomized Controlled Trial — Abtahi-Forooshani M et al. (2026)
• Reverse Sural Flap Venous Congestion Successfully Managed With Enoxaparin in a Male Patient With a Traumatic Foot Crush Injury: A Case Report — Velasco-Bustamante J et al. (2026)
• Investigation of the therapeutic effects of medicinal leech treatment on lower extremity ischemia-reperfusion injury — Ünal K et al. (2026)
• Efficacy of Medicinal Leech Therapy in Diverse Clinical Applications: A Comprehensive Study from Azerbaijan — Farzali S et al. (2025)
• HIRUDOTHERAPY IN RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY: CASE-REPORTS AND REVIEW — Heinz P et al. (2020)
• Hirudotherapy Efficacy and Complications in the Management of Microsurgical Breast Reconstruction: A Systematic Review — Foppiani J et al. (2024)
• Hirudotherapy in Wound Healing — Nair H et al. (2022)

Browse all ASH-analysed research →