Subjective experiences during a 32-year period after resurfacing of hands for severe and acute radiation burns

Radiation injury and the hand surgeon

The human hand has been affected by ionizing radiation accidents than any other organ. Hand surgeons should understand the pathophysiology and appropriate management of various types of radiation injury. This article outlines the history and epidemiology of ionizing radiation injury to the hand, basic aspects of radiobiology, and principles of management for injury resulting from fluoroscopy, nuclear accidents or weapons, and other sources.

Neurovascular cutaneous flaps for the management of radiation-induced fingertip dermal necrosis

Acute local radiation burns to the fingertips of two patients were treated by late excision of the ulcerations and resurfacing with both free and axial island neurovascular cutaneous flaps. This technique has the advantage over local flaps and skin grafts of not only restoring fingertip function and relieving pain but also bringing in new blood supply to an area previously rendered ischemic.

Acute radiation injury of the hands: report of a case with a twenty-one year follow-up

Accidental, excessive exposure to therapeutic radiation of the hands is rare and some authors advocate early amputation of the part. A report of the treatment of excessive irradiation to both hands for verrucous lesions in an 18-year-old woman includes a 21 year follow-up without evidence of malignant degeneration.