First aider Malcolm comes to the RVI’s hand trauma clinic after injuring his finger two weeks before his daughter’s wedding.
Malcolm explains that he cut his finger after falling on a plant pot during his soon-to-be son-in-law’s stag-do.
Plastic surgeon Susan Stevenson is in charge of the clinic today and says that alcohol related injuries are very common over the weekend.
During her initial examination Malcolm says his finger feels numb and Susan explains that the cut has divided one of the nerves that runs down the sides of the finger.
She assesses Malcolm’s tendons and whilst they seem to be in working order, Susan say sometimes they can be partly cut and if you keep using them, they might snap. She will need to check they are ok when fixing the damaged nerves.
All being well, it’s just the nerves that are damaged needing a few stitches and wearing a bandage for a couple of weeks. However, if the tendons need to be repaired, Malcolm could be out of action for 6 months to a year.
This is potentially very bad news for Malcolm who is self-employed – he was hoping to be back at work the next day.
Susan explains a lot of people with injuries like this think they just need a quick patch up and will be back to work in no time.
Malcolm realises the ramifications from both a work and personal perspective. He says: “I am the father of the bride so my daughter’s furious!”
He goes to theatre and has a regional block anaesthesia which means he is given a local anaesthetic to numb his entire arm, and he can stay awake during the operation.
Susan can see the extent of the damage and says Malcolm has been very lucky. One of the tendons was nicked but only by millimetres and does not need to be stitched. He is greatly relieved.
