If a body part gets caught between two objects in motion or under the influence of a high magnitude force, the body parts could get severely injured in the accident owing to the squeeze and rubbing. T..
If a body part gets caught between two objects in motion or under the influence of a high magnitude force, the body parts could get severely injured in the accident owing to the squeeze and rubbing. These kinds of accidents are called crush injuries. Often, the sudden shock the injured person experiences during the injury, coupled with the physical injury results in excessive trauma. Usually, such traumatic crush injuries result in broken bones, bleeding, severe bruises, laceration and compartment syndrome. Laceration refers to deep cuts or gashes in the flesh or skin, whereas compartment syndrome refers to excessive buildup of pressure in the enclosed muscle space of a human body. During a compartment syndrome episode, the increased pressure prevents blood flow into the area, thereby depriving the parts of oxygen and nourishment.
For minor crush injuries like fingers getting stuck in a door or a heavy object falling on the toes, the symptoms are relatively milder and the recovery time is significantly lesser than major injuries. Some symptoms could be:
- Bruises
- Lacerations
- Mild or moderate pain
For major crush injuries that occur with high impact forces or for longer time, the damages are more severe and the injuries take more time for complete recovery. In this case, there usually are serious damages below the skin, in the tissues, organs, muscles and bones. If the injury leads to cutting off of blood supply, muscle and tissue damages could be of grave nature and in extreme cases could result in paralysis.
The symptoms of major crush injuries are:
- Damaged tissues and muscles
- Severe bruising
- Extreme pain
- Chances of open wounds
- Damages to the layers of the skin
- Compartment syndrome
If left untreated, the open layers could acquire infections and deformities, and in the worst cases the infection may lead to amputation.
Compartment syndrome occurs when the injured part is deprived of blood for a long period of time. In this case, the nerves could get severely damaged and the victim might experience muscle death. The symptoms of compartment syndrome are:
- Extreme pain
- Tingling sensation of pins and needles that a limb feels when idle for long
- Paralysis of the limb
- No pulse in the affected limb
- Swollen and shiny skin
Traumatic crush injuries could be a result of:
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Falling from heights
- Structural collapses of buildings due to earthquakes and other reasons
- Industrial injuries in machines
- Fingers getting trapped inside the doors for long periods of time
- Legs being stuck under heavy objects for extended durations
You may be at the risk for traumatic crush injuries if you are an industrial worker with roles on machines or if you meet with accidents or undergo trauma resulting from natural disasters.
To prevent traumatic crush injuries, always follow:
- The prescribed safety procedures when you work on machines and vehicles
- Always be prepared for emergency situations if you stay in an earthquake prone area
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Our superspecialist doctors provide the highest quality of care through a team-based, doctor-led model. Trained at some of the world's most renowned i..... Continue Reading
