Functional outcomes of forearm arterial lacerations

Introduction: This study focuses on forearm injuries associated with arterial lacerations. Arterial vasculature originates from antecubital fossa and bifurcates into Radial & Ulnar arteries as well as interosseous variational branches attending major branches above this zone. These arteries unite into superficial and deep arches at the palmar level which backs up the hand in case of a single forearm arterial injury, yet both arterial lacerations may impair proper circulation of the hand. Single arterial injuries of the forearm were assessed according to clinical and functional outcomes. We conducted a descriptive study which neglected timeline direction. Material & method: 108 consecutive, minimum 1-year followed-up, singe artery lacerated forearm injuries operated in our clinic were assessed retrospectively and were summoned for a clinical visit in which only 38 cases attended. Most common injury type was glass cut (62%), followed by power saw injury (26%). After cases were asked to fill subjective questionnaires, hand circulation via handheld doppler and Allen's test, hand sensation via two-point discrimination and Weinstein'smonofilament test, handgrip via hand dynamometer and pinch grip tests and finally thermodistribution via thermal camera device were assessed. Results were analyzed statistically via SPSS 25® with a CI of 95% and outcomes p <, 05 admitted as significant. Results: Majority of cases consisted of right-handed (68,4%) men (92,6%) with the same hand affected. The median age was 34,5 (10-82). Punching glass had a significantly (p<0,05) greater rate (n=62, 57,4%) among all causes which exhibited significantly better clinical results (QDASH), on the other hand, power-tools injuries manifested significantly worse clinical results in statistical terms. Cases associated with Ulnar artery (UA) lacerations were introduced to our hospital with significantly (p<0,05) more severe injuries (according to MHISS), which appeared to be significantly (p<0,001) associated with the Ulnar nerve lesion where UN lesion appeared to be the most significant (p<0,05) parameter affecting clinical outcomes. Patency ratesfor artery repairs were 27/38 (71%) correlated with the literature. Arterial patency didn't demonstrate a significant association with tobacco consumption (n=22, 57,8% smoker), yet worse clinical scores were significantly (p<0,05) explained by it.Conclusion: Most of our cases appeared to be having preventable trauma etiopathogenesis. Practically every individual (total 86,8%) returned back to former work or lifestyle with acceptable sequellae rates within variable periods of time, except those with major injury types. After all, coping this population demands tremendous professional tolerance and empathy, yet not only in terms of surgical challenge. An effective solution to psychiatric issues and more precise usage of power tools may lead to a major decrease in the amount of these cases. Eventually; adequate treatment of the patients lead to satisfactory clinical outcomes. Keywords: Forearm, artery, punching glass, power-saw