Traumatic Finger Amputation in a Burmese Child Due to Sewing Machine Accident
Child labor in developing countries, including Myanmar, often places children at significant risk of occupational hazards. One such hazard is the operation of industrial or domestic sewing machines, which are not designed with adequate safety measures for young operators. This case report highlights the traumatic amputation of fingers in a Burmese child caused by a sewing machine accident.
Patient Details
- Age/Sex: 10-year-old male
- Residence: Rural village in Shan State, Myanmar
- Occupation: Assisted in family garment workshop after school hours
- Presenting Complaint: Traumatic injury to the left hand following a workplace accident
Incident Description
The child was operating a treadle-powered sewing machine without supervision or prior training. While feeding fabric through the machine, his left hand slipped under the needle plate. The rapidly moving needle pierced and snagged his fingers, pulling them into the mechanical components. The force and speed of the machine caused traumatic amputation of the index and middle fingers at the proximal interphalangeal joints.
The machine, lacking a safety guard, was identified as a key contributor to the injury.
Initial Presentation
- Physical Examination:
- Partial amputation of the left index and middle fingers
- Exposed bone and soft tissue damage
- Severe bleeding, controlled temporarily with a makeshift tourniquet
- Intact thumb, ring finger, and little finger
- Associated Findings:
- Signs of infection due to delayed presentation (wound exposed to unsterile conditions)
- Psychological distress and reluctance to use the injured hand
Management
1. Emergency Care:
- Wound irrigation with sterile saline
- Debridement of necrotic tissue
- Antibiotic therapy (IV ceftriaxone) to prevent further infection
- Analgesics for pain control
- Tetanus immunization
2. Surgical Intervention:
- Amputation revision with closure of soft tissue over the bone ends
- Consideration of future reconstructive surgery for improved functionality
3. Rehabilitation:
- Physiotherapy to preserve function in remaining fingers
- Psychological counseling to address trauma and improve coping mechanisms
4. Social Support:
- Coordination with local NGOs to remove the child from hazardous labor
- Enrollment in educational programs
Discussion
This case underscores the dangers faced by children in unsafe working environments. Sewing machines, particularly older models without safety features, pose significant risks. The injury has lifelong implications for the child, affecting dexterity, psychological well-being, and future employment prospects.
Preventive Strategies:
- Implementation of strict child labor laws and workplace safety standards
- Mandatory safety guards on machinery
- Awareness campaigns to educate families about occupational hazards
Keywords: child labor, sewing machine injury, traumatic amputation, occupational hazard, Myanmar
• 100% premium carded cotton
• Fabric weight: 6.5 oz./yd.² (220 g/m²)
• High moisture absorbency
• Unisex style
• Oversized fit with drop shoulders
• Ribbed collar
Traumatic Finger Amputation in a Burmese Child Due to Sewing Machine Accident
Child labor in developing countries, including Myanmar, often places children at significant risk of occupational hazards. One such hazard is the operation of industrial or domestic sewing machines, which are not designed with adequate safety measures for young operators. This case report highlights the traumatic amputation of fingers in a Burmese child caused by a sewing machine accident.
Patient Details
- Age/Sex: 10-year-old male
- Residence: Rural village in Shan State, Myanmar
- Occupation: Assisted in family garment workshop after school hours
- Presenting Complaint: Traumatic injury to the left hand following a workplace accident
Incident Description
The child was operating a treadle-powered sewing machine without supervision or prior training. While feeding fabric through the machine, his left hand slipped under the needle plate. The rapidly moving needle pierced and snagged his fingers, pulling them into the mechanical components. The force and speed of the machine caused traumatic amputation of the index and middle fingers at the proximal interphalangeal joints.
The machine, lacking a safety guard, was identified as a key contributor to the injury.
Initial Presentation
- Physical Examination:
- Partial amputation of the left index and middle fingers
- Exposed bone and soft tissue damage
- Severe bleeding, controlled temporarily with a makeshift tourniquet
- Intact thumb, ring finger, and little finger
- Associated Findings:
- Signs of infection due to delayed presentation (wound exposed to unsterile conditions)
- Psychological distress and reluctance to use the injured hand
Management
1. Emergency Care:
- Wound irrigation with sterile saline
- Debridement of necrotic tissue
- Antibiotic therapy (IV ceftriaxone) to prevent further infection
- Analgesics for pain control
- Tetanus immunization
2. Surgical Intervention:
- Amputation revision with closure of soft tissue over the bone ends
- Consideration of future reconstructive surgery for improved functionality
3. Rehabilitation:
- Physiotherapy to preserve function in remaining fingers
- Psychological counseling to address trauma and improve coping mechanisms
4. Social Support:
- Coordination with local NGOs to remove the child from hazardous labor
- Enrollment in educational programs
Discussion
This case underscores the dangers faced by children in unsafe working environments. Sewing machines, particularly older models without safety features, pose significant risks. The injury has lifelong implications for the child, affecting dexterity, psychological well-being, and future employment prospects.
Preventive Strategies:
- Implementation of strict child labor laws and workplace safety standards
- Mandatory safety guards on machinery
- Awareness campaigns to educate families about occupational hazards
Keywords: child labor, sewing machine injury, traumatic amputation, occupational hazard, Myanmar
• 100% premium carded cotton
• Fabric weight: 6.5 oz./yd.² (220 g/m²)
• High moisture absorbency
• Unisex style
• Oversized fit with drop shoulders
• Ribbed collar
Child labor in developing countries, including Myanmar, often places children at significant risk of occupational hazards. One such hazard is the operation of industrial or domestic sewing machines, which are not designed with adequate safety measures for young operators. This case report highlights the traumatic amputation of fingers in a Burmese child caused by a sewing machine accident.
Patient Details
- Age/Sex: 10-year-old male
- Residence: Rural village in Shan State, Myanmar
- Occupation: Assisted in family garment workshop after school hours
- Presenting Complaint: Traumatic injury to the left hand following a workplace accident
Incident Description
The child was operating a treadle-powered sewing machine without supervision or prior training. While feeding fabric through the machine, his left hand slipped under the needle plate. The rapidly moving needle pierced and snagged his fingers, pulling them into the mechanical components. The force and speed of the machine caused traumatic amputation of the index and middle fingers at the proximal interphalangeal joints.
The machine, lacking a safety guard, was identified as a key contributor to the injury.
Initial Presentation
- Physical Examination:
- Partial amputation of the left index and middle fingers
- Exposed bone and soft tissue damage
- Severe bleeding, controlled temporarily with a makeshift tourniquet
- Intact thumb, ring finger, and little finger
- Associated Findings:
- Signs of infection due to delayed presentation (wound exposed to unsterile conditions)
- Psychological distress and reluctance to use the injured hand
Management
1. Emergency Care:
- Wound irrigation with sterile saline
- Debridement of necrotic tissue
- Antibiotic therapy (IV ceftriaxone) to prevent further infection
- Analgesics for pain control
- Tetanus immunization
2. Surgical Intervention:
- Amputation revision with closure of soft tissue over the bone ends
- Consideration of future reconstructive surgery for improved functionality
3. Rehabilitation:
- Physiotherapy to preserve function in remaining fingers
- Psychological counseling to address trauma and improve coping mechanisms
4. Social Support:
- Coordination with local NGOs to remove the child from hazardous labor
- Enrollment in educational programs
Discussion
This case underscores the dangers faced by children in unsafe working environments. Sewing machines, particularly older models without safety features, pose significant risks. The injury has lifelong implications for the child, affecting dexterity, psychological well-being, and future employment prospects.
Preventive Strategies:
- Implementation of strict child labor laws and workplace safety standards
- Mandatory safety guards on machinery
- Awareness campaigns to educate families about occupational hazards
Keywords: child labor, sewing machine injury, traumatic amputation, occupational hazard, Myanmar
• 100% premium carded cotton
• Fabric weight: 6.5 oz./yd.² (220 g/m²)
• High moisture absorbency
• Unisex style
• Oversized fit with drop shoulders
• Ribbed collar
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A Burmese child lost his fingers
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