Skip to main page content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Dot gov

The .gov means it’s official.
Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site.

Https

The site is secure.
The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.

Access keys NCBI Homepage MyNCBI Homepage Main Content Main Navigation
Case Reports
. 2021 Feb 10:32:100413.
doi: 10.1016/j.tcr.2021.100413. eCollection 2021 Apr.

Angle grinder injuries in orthopedics: A case series and review of the literature

M G Curran  1 , K Clesham  2 , S Irwin  2 , A Hughes  2 , M Kennedy  2
Affiliations
Case Reports

Angle grinder injuries in orthopedics: A case series and review of the literature

M G Curran et al. Trauma Case Rep. .

Erratum in

Abstract

Angle grinders are amongst the most dangerous tools used in industry and agriculture. Over 5000 documented injuries are related to their use each year which are commonly triggered by a shattering of the abrasive wheel. These injuries are often accompanied by suboptimal health and safety standards. The authors of this paper present three separate cases of accidental injuries presenting to our institution over a short time period. The authors main aim is to raise awareness surrounding the associated dangers of using such tools. A brief economic analysis also illustrates the significant costs involved in treating such preventable injuries.

Keywords: Angle grinder, Work related injury, Trauma, Orthopedics.

PubMed Disclaimer

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Right forearm laceration showing extensive muscle belly damage.
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Deep laceration to the dorsum of the right foot.
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Clinical presentation of left hand injury.
Fig. 4
Fig. 4
Posterior anterior radiograph of left hand showing numerous fractures.
Fig. 5
Fig. 5
Clinical presentation of right leg.
Fig. 6
Fig. 6
Anterior posterior radiograph of the right leg showing a comminuted midshaft fracture of the tibia with a minimally displaced comminuted fracture of the fibula.
Fig. 7
Fig. 7
Clinical presentation of left leg.
Fig. 8
Fig. 8
Lateral radiograph of the left leg showing a comminuted fracture of the tibia + fibula with metalwork from previous knee arthrodesis in situ.
Fig. 9
Fig. 9
Anterior posterior radiograph of the right leg showing IM nail in situ.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

    1. Back D.L., Espag M., Hilton A., Peckham T. Angle grinder injuries. Injury. 2000 Jul;31(6):475–476. - PubMed
    1. Sozbilen M.C., Dastan A.E., Gunay H., Kucuk L. A prospective study of angle grinder injuries in the hands and forearms during a one-year period. Hand Surg Rehabil. 2018;37(5):300–304. - PubMed
    1. Carter L.M., Wales C.J., Varley I., Telfer M.R. Penetrating facial injury from angle grinder use: management and prevention. Head Face Med. 2008 Jan 23;4:1. - PMC - PubMed
    1. Khurram S.A., Atkins S., Smith K.G., Yates J.M. A multidisciplinary approach to management of extensive facial injuries resulting from the use of an angle grinder. Inj Extra. 2011 Jul;42(7):75–78.
    1. Murphy S.M., Kieran I., Shaughnessy M.O. The trauma of a recession. Ir. J. Med. Sci. 2011 Sep;180(3):735–736. - PubMed

Publication types

LinkOut - more resources