Posted on the TheDenverChannel.com 12/30/2008.

Read the article here.
See the video here.

Snow blower injuries are extremely common. In 2001, there were more than 5,000 reported snow blower injuries.

Injuries usually involve the hand when it is put in the auger to clear snow that has become stuck. This is more common with wet, heavy snow as we often see in severe Colorado snowstorms. The blade rotates back to its resting position once the snow is cleared, resulting in severe trauma to the portion of the hand that is in the way of the blade.

Snow blower injuries can result in amputations, fractures, injuries to tendons, nerves and arteries. Most snow blower injuries require surgical treatment. This involves microsurgery to repair injured tendons, nerves and blood vessels, fixation of fractures and when possible, reattachment of severed limbs. The surgery is extremely complicated due to the severe trauma sustained. It can be very difficult to regain normal function after these injuries.

Never put your hand or fingers near the moving parts, intake or output areas of snow blowers or lawnmowers. If there is an object in the way of any part of the machine, the machine should be turned off and spark plug disconnected, or power cord unplugged for electric models, before attempting to remove the object. Objects should then be removed with a tool and not the hand or fingers. Snow blowers and lawnmowers should also be turned off, spark plug disconnected, and unplugged when they are being moved or picked up.

Occasionally patients slip and a hand or foot gets caught under the lawnmower or snow blower. Proper hand and footwear should be used. Non-slip, closed-toe shoes should be worn. Protective gloves can give some protection, but the force from the machine can still cause extensive damage despite the gloves.

These injuries are extremely severe and often lead to multiple finger amputations. Infections are common; antibiotic medicines are usually necessary. Frequently, multiple surgeries are needed to adequately clean wounds; multiple soft tissues and bone may be injured. Surgery is usually required to repair or reconstruct multiple structures. Unfortunately, most patients with these severe injuries never recover full, normal use of the hand. Often, fingers have been partially or completely amputated, and remaining parts may not have full motion or feeling. Multiple surgeries and many months of hand, occupational, and physical therapy are usually necessary to maximize movement and function.

Research is underway to improve repairs and reconstructions of mangling hand injuries. Medicines that are placed during an operation may improve nerve healing. Newer suture methods and materials may help improve movement of fingers after surgery. Advances in microsurgical techniques have improved the results of replanted fingers and hands, but if the fingers are too severely crushed and damaged, they may be beyond repair. Prevention of injury by careful operation of these machines is clearly the best approach!

Kavi Sachar, MD
Hand Surgeon
Hand Surgery Associates, P.C.

Rocky Mountain News and CBS4 News
Article published October 19, 2007

See the video here.

PARKER — Henry Barrett nearly lost his hand during a tug-of-war game at Lutheran High School last week.

Now, his doctor is hopeful that Henry will be able to play the flute again.

Barrett, 16, and classmate Mitch Helfer had their hands partially severed in the accident during a homecoming pep rally.

"Where the rope was wrapped around his hand and in essence was like a noose, both wrapped around it, and pulled if off at the same time," said Dr. Lewis Oster, of Hand Surgery Associates.

Oster reattached Barrett's hand by using plates and pins to attach the severed bones. He then sewed the blood vessels, nerves and muscles back together. The surgery lasted nearly 10 hours.

"I'm very impressed with Henry," Oster said. "He's a very mature kid. He has a real positive outlook on life."

"The future has a mind of its own," Barrett said in a prepared statement. "Isn't that what makes life great?

"I may have been injured, but my eyes have been opened; now I can see so much more. I can see new areas of my mind."

Oster, who said the reattachment surgery has a success rate of about 40 percent, credits emergency responders who kept Barrett's detached hand cool and moist in making the surgery a success.

"It's my hope Henry will be able to play the flute again," Oster said. "I anticipate he will and I anticipate it'll be in the next few months."

Helfer remains hospitalized.

Reporting by CBS4's Jodi Brooks.

Hand Surgery of Colorado, LLC has achieved accreditation by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC/Accreditation Association), according to Peter Beatty, Director.


Status as an accredited organization means Hand Surgery of Colorado, LLC has passed a series of rigorous nationally recognized standards for the provisions of quality health care set by the Accreditation Association. Over 3,000 ambulatory health care organizations across the United States are accredited by AAAHC.

"Accreditation underscores our long-standing commitment to providing the highest possible levels of quality care to the community we serve," said Peter Beatty. "We are pleased and proud to have our efforts recognized with this accreditation."

Ambulatory health care organizations seeking accreditation by the AAAHC undergo an extensive on-site, peer-based survey of their facilities and services. Not all ambulatory health care organizations seek accreditation; not all undergoing the on-site survey are granted accreditation.

Among the types of ambulatory health care organizations that can seek AAAHC accreditation are ambulatory and office-based surgery centers, single and multi-specialty group practices, college health centers, dental group practices, community health centers, occupational health centers and managed care organizations.

Dr. Charles Hamlin retired in June 2008 after more than thirty years in practice. He retains Emeritus status at Hand Surgery Associates, Porter Adventist Hospital and Rose Medical Center. His privileges also include Honorary Recognition status at Sky Ridge Medical Center. He currently volunteers as an Active Consultant in Hand Surgery at Chinle Comprehensive Health Care Facility in Chinle, Arizona.