We’re no strangers to snow here in WNY. While Syracuse, NY may be considered the snowiest city in the country, Buffalo still tops out in 4th place, behind Rochester, NY and Erie, PA.
With WNY having the most residents and snowblowers, it should come as no surprise that Erie County, NY is considered a “hotspot region” for snowblower injuries. Because our area gets such heavy snowfall, emergency rooms see spikes in accidents caused by snowblowers after a lake-effect event or large storm.
Significant Risk from a Common Winter Activity
Each year, thousands of people across the U.S. end up in the emergency room with snowblower-related injuries, the most common reason being that the machine became clogged, and the user attempted to clear the chute by hand. Even if the snowblower is turned off, it’s possible for the blades to continue rotating, and within seconds, you could end up with a serious hand injury.
More than 90% of ER patients treated for snowblower injuries are men, with an average age of 51. The most common injuries include fractures (25.3%), lacerations (20%), sprains (14.8%), and amputations (10.9%).
“Over my years as a Surgeon of the Hand, I’ve seen many snowblower and snow shoveling injuries. While the most common musculoskeletal injuries are sprains, strains, and lower back injuries, the most devastating may involve loss of a finger or limb. For snow blowing, many people think that it can’t happen to them, but the most injured are middle-aged men who would have a significant degree of experience with operating a snowblower.
If you do suffer a minor fingertip injury, clear the wound with clean water or saline solution if possible, and cover it with a lightly compressive sterile dressing to minimize bleeding and protect the injured finger, then seek a medical professional. If you have an amputation, the best advice is to place it in a plastic bag covered in moistened gauze. Place that bag on ice in a sealed container and call 911 or proceed immediately to the nearest emergency room. If surgery is needed, always be sure to ask if your surgeon is subspecialty certified in Surgery of the Hand. At Catholic Health, we only employ board eligible or board-certified surgeons in good standing.”
Kevin Krul, MD, FACS, FAAO – Orthopaedics, Orthopaedic Surgery, Hand Surgery, Trinity Orthopaedics
Play it Safe this Winter
After suffering a snowblower-related injury, you should follow up with a hand and wrist specialist if possible. Damaged nerves, torn tendons, and fractures that aren’t repaired or healed correctly can lead to chronic problems and other issues, such as pain, decreased range of motion, or loss of sensation in your fingers and hand.
Snowblowers are powerful machines that use a lot of force, but you can play it safe this winter by visiting the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons website for safety tips to prevent snowblower injuries and being aware of the risks with snowblowers. And remember- never, ever, try to clear a clog by hand!
Schedule a Visit with Dr. Krul
Dr. Krul is a board-certified doctor who specializes in orthopaedics, orthopaedic surgery, and hand surgery. Dr. Krul sees patients at Trinity Medical locations in Williamsville and Hamburg. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Krul, call (716) 204-1101.
