Motor Cycle Chain Sprocket Injuries of the Hand - Patterns, Classification and their Management - A Tertiary Care Experience

Introduction: Motor cycle chain sprocket injuries are common in frequency but has serious impact on the patients work capacity and daily activities. These type of hand injuries occur during cleaning or lubricating the motor cycle chain with the engine turned on. As a result, the fingers that get stuck undergoes serious injuries and most of the time amputation of the fingers occur. Aim: The aim of the present study is to analyse the characteristics of motorcycle chain injuries, & management. Materials and method: All patients who sustained chain sprocket injuries and treated at our institute between June 2022 and May 2023 (1 year) were taken for study. Totally 177 patients were included. All age groups and both the gender included. Data like age, gender, experience, hand dominance, injury patterns, treatment given, time taken to return to work were analysed. Results: Among 177 patients, 174 (98 %) were male. 51% of patients were between 21 to 30 years of age. Right hand injured in 127 patients (72%) and left hand in 50 patients (28 %). In our study, thumb is the most commonly injured finger 37%, followed by index finger 34%. Conclusion: Chain sprocket injuries cause serious trauma to fingers. Awareness among public should be made regarding the danger of chain sprocket injuries and importance of prevention of this type of injuries should be emphasized.