Liquefied Petroleum Gas Injury of the Hand

Vol. 10 | Issue 2 | August-September 2022 | Page: 48-50 | Kishore Vellingiri, Anil K Bhat, Ashwath M Acharya, Mithun Pai G

DOI: https://doi.org/10.13107/jkoa.2022.v10i02.054

Authors: Kishore Vellingiri [1], Anil K Bhat [1], Ashwath M Acharya [1], Mithun Pai G [1]

[1] Department of Hand Surgery, Kasturba Medical College Manipal, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India.

Address of Correspondence

Dr. Anil K. Bhat,
Associate Dean, Professor, and Head Department of Hand Surgery, Kasturba Medical College Manipal, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India.
E-mail: anilbhatortho@gmail.com

Abstract

Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) is currently more widely used in auto-gas by drivers as it is less expensive than petrol or diesel and produces the same amount of energy. However, it may cause serious cold injuries when body parts are exposed to it due to its quick evaporation and subsequent drop in temperature. We present a 31-year-old man with a history of gas burst injury who sustained second-degree burns to the dorsum of his right hand. It was decided to treat the burns conservatively based on the depth of the wound and severity of the involvement. The patient was followed up at regular intervals, and mobilization of the hand was started early enough to obtain a full range of motion. Our case of a gas burst injury treated with both intravenous and local antibiotic application, and early mobilization of the hand resulted in a positive outcome. LPG-related burns can be avoided to a large extent, and it is critical to increase public awareness regarding the same.
Keywords: Liquefied petroleum gas, Antibiotics, Early mobilization

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