A comprehensive evaluation of injuries caused by pressure cooker explosions

• The most significant factor contributing to pressure cooker explosions is improper use. • Explosions may also cause blunt or penetrating injuries from flying parts • Severe burns require more multidisciplinary wound care. Pressure cooker use is widespread, yet injuries from explosions are understudied. This study evaluates burn and trauma cases related to pressure cooker explosions, aiming to identify causes and improve prevention and treatment. This retrospective analysis included 57 patients admitted to Erzurum City Hospital Emergency Department due to pressure cooker explosions between 2021 and 2024. Demographics, burn severity and location, associated trauma, explosion causes, and clinical management were reviewed. Among the patients, 49 were female and 9 were under 18. Thirty-three cases were medicolegal. Traumatic injuries accompanied burns in 9 patients. Eyelid burns were observed in 17 cases; 6 had temporary vision loss. User error was the primary cause in 50 cases. No surgeries or deaths occurred. This study highlights the dual role of user error and device malfunction in such injuries. Greater awareness among healthcare providers and targeted prevention strategies are essential for reducing these incidents.