CHARLOTTE, N.C., Oct. 19 /PRNewswire/ -- This month, orthopedic
surgeons around the country will treat patients injured during a routine
Halloween activity: pumpkin carving.
Though it's not known just how many people are hurt carving pumpkins
each year, it is clear carvers can do some serious harm if they're not
careful.
"Each October, we see patients who've seriously cut their hands or arms
while carving pumpkins," said John Gaul III, M.D., a hand specialist at
Charlotte, N.C.-based OrthoCarolina, one of the nation's most comprehensive
orthopedic practices. "These wounds can be very deep - all the way down to
the tendons or nerves, in some cases - making for a difficult recovery or
even permanent damage."
The hand physicians at OrthoCarolina suggest adhering to the following
tips from the American Society for Surgery of the Hand to minimize pumpkin-
carving injuries:
1. Use common sense. Wash and dry pumpkin and utensils before starting.
Carve in a well-lit area.
2. Bigger is not better. Do not use large, sharp knives, as they often
stick in thicker parts of the pumpkin and require force to dislodge,
often seriously cutting carvers' hands when they do so.
3. Invest in a carving kit. Pumpkin carving saws require less force,
making them less likely to do harm. Cut away from yourself in small,
controlled strokes.
4. Leave the carving to adults. Let kids sketch the pumpkin's design and
clean the pulp and seeds. Keep children at a safe distance while the
carver works.
If you do cut yourself while carving, apply direct pressure to the
wound with a clean cloth, after gently washing the wound with soap and
water. If pressure does not stop the bleeding after 15 minutes, or if you
experience a change in sensation or color or lose function of your finger
or hand, seek immediate medical attention at the orthopedic urgent care or
emergency department.
About OrthoCarolina
OrthoCarolina is one of the nation's most comprehensive orthopedic
practices. With a staff of 70 physicians and 600 employees, OrthoCarolina
provides advanced specialty care and general orthopedics for patients from
around the country, supported by physical medicine and rehabilitation,
podiatry, physical therapy, advanced imaging, an occupational medicine
program and orthopedic urgent care.
SOURCE OrthoCarolina
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