High-Pressure Water Injection Injury to the Hand: An Underestimated Mechanism of Compartment Syndrome

High-pressure injection injuries, although rare, pose a significant risk of severe soft tissue damage and compartment syndrome, especially when involving the hand and fingers. We present the case of a 25-year-old male patient who accidentally sustained a high-pressure water jet injury while using a power washer, leading to digital compartment syndrome of the thumb and index finger. Prompt recognition, early surgical decompression, and multidisciplinary care led to a favorable outcome. This case highlights the deceptive appearance of such injuries and underscores the need for urgent surgical intervention to prevent permanent functional impairment or limb loss. Early diagnosis, supported by clinical findings and radiological imaging, is crucial to improving outcomes in high-pressure injection injuries.

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Journal
Cureus
Published
2025-08-18
DOI
https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.90383
Primary Topic
Muscle and Compartmental Disorders
Type
article
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article

High-Pressure Water Injection Injury to the Hand: An Underestimated Mechanism of Compartment Syndrome

Fatima Bibi, Muhammad Asif Amjad, Abdul Rehman, Muhammad Khan et al.
Cureus
Muscle and Compartmental Disorders
article

High-Pressure Water Injection Injury to the Hand: An Underestimated Mechanism of Compartment Syndrome

Fatima Bibi, Muhammad Asif Amjad, Abdul Rehman, Muhammad Khan, Raja Ansar Hameed
article en

Abstract

High-pressure injection injuries, although rare, pose a significant risk of severe soft tissue damage and compartment syndrome, especially when involving the hand and fingers. We present the case of a 25-year-old male patient who accidentally sustained a high-pressure water jet injury while using a power washer, leading to digital compartment syndrome of the thumb and index finger. Prompt recognition, early surgical decompression, and multidisciplinary care led to a favorable outcome. This case highlights the deceptive appearance of such injuries and underscores the need for urgent surgical intervention to prevent permanent functional impairment or limb loss. Early diagnosis, supported by clinical findings and radiological imaging, is crucial to improving outcomes in high-pressure injection injuries.

CureusVol. 17(8)
Punjab Medical College (PK), Allied Hospital (PK), University of Faisalabad (PK), St. Luke's General Hospital (IE), Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PK)
Clean water and sanitation
Openalex Percentile: Top 65%
Muscle and Compartmental Disorders
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