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.
Authors
- Fatima Bibi (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9747-0815)
- Muhammad Asif Amjad (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7625-5902)
- Abdul Rehman (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4789-3462)
- Muhammad Khan (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7760-2374)
- Raja Ansar Hameed
Institutions
- Punjab Medical College (PK)
- Allied Hospital (PK)
- University of Faisalabad (PK)
- St. Luke's General Hospital (IE)
- Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PK)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Cureus
- Published
- 2025-08-18
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.90383
- Primary Topic
- Muscle and Compartmental Disorders
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00