The Consequences of Punching Glass

Abstract

We carried out a retrospective and prospective study of 67 patients who had sustained hand injuries from punching glass over a period of 33 months. All had consumed alcohol and had argued with a partner. The mean age was 25 years, 90% were male and 56% were unemployed. Seventy per cent of injuries occurred between 23.00 and 04.00 hours. Total damage included division of 149 tendons, 33 nerves and nine arteries. Fifty-two per cent of patients required admission for more than 1 day. The mean number of follow-up visits was 3.6 and the majority needed hand therapy and occupational therapy services. Cost per injury was estimated as £1,120. Such injuries cause major disability in an already disadvantaged section of society. The challenge is to educate the susceptible patient group.