Doors and door related injuries have been reported in the literature but most often they are related to crushing of the fingers, particularly the tips. Minor injuries often involve bruising or a blackened fingernail when a hand is caught in the latch end of the door as someone carelessly closes it. Sometimes the injury is more serious such as degloving injuries or fractures [1]. Injuries related to door handles have been very infrequently reported. Pointed door handles have been reported to pose a significant risk of ocular and peri-ocular injuries among young children [2, 3]. We report an unusual injury where a door handle was found completely embedded into the hand of a woman.

Penetrating injuries of the hand are generally encountered in cases of gunshot and stab injuries. To our knowledge, a penetrating injury by a door handle has not previously been described in the literature. A debridement procedure and antibiotic cover are generally the essence of primary management. The use of broad spectrum antibiotics such as third generation cephalosporins is preferred but this may need to be modified depending on individual situations [4]. If surgical removal of a foreign body or surgical exploration of a puncture wound is decided upon, it must be performed under adequate anaesthesia and tourniquet control [5]. Attention to the integrity of the neurovascular and musculotendinous structures is important to improve the final outcome. Early mobilisation and physiotherapy helps in the return of functional activities after such injuries [6].

Objects such as door handles can occasionally cause penetrating injuries of the hand. Such injuries should be managed with meticulous early surgical exploration and care to check neurovascular integrity.

Written informed consent was obtained from the patient for publication of this case report and accompanying images. A copy of the written consent is available for review by the Editor-in-Chief of this journal.