Firework-related injuries of the hand

The severity of firework-related injury can range from superficial burns to devastating loss of hand and digits. Principles of management rely on appropriate initial debridement, timely soft tissue coverage, and a focus on function rather than saving parts. Patients often require reconstruction rather than repair, and many will require secondary procedures. Most of these injuries can be prevented by proper supervision and more careful use.3 Furthermore, stricter regulations and public education campaigns have been demonstrated to be effective in lowering the rate of firework-related injuries.3,6,21,22 While reconstruction options have improved, such as with toe-to-hand transfers and other free tissue transfers, these injuries can still result in substantial loss of function. The best treatment is clearly prevention.