Following the incident, the patient received initial first aid at a local hospital before being transferred to Viet Duc Friendship Hospital in Hanoi for specialized treatment. Her hand remained trapped in the meat grinder upon arrival.

Doctors remove the grinder from the patient's hand. *Photo: Thai Ngoc*

During the assessment, the meat grinder's metal structure obscured the injured area, making a conventional X-ray insufficient to fully evaluate the condition of the hand's bones and soft tissues. Doctors decided to take the patient to emergency surgery to dismantle the device, while using an intraoperative C-arm imaging system to precisely determine the extent of damage to bones, joints, tendons, and blood vessels.

Dr. Tran Manh Hung, from the Department of Lower Extremity Surgery and the lead surgeon, stated that despite timely first aid and transfer, doctors had to amputate the lower one-third of her right forearm to prevent complications and ensure the patient's safety.

Medical experts warn that accidents involving grinders and crushing machines in food processing facilities pose significant risks if workers are negligent or lack knowledge of workplace safety. Workers must never insert their hands into the machine's opening while it is operating. Always disconnect the power before cleaning or clearing jams, use specialized food pushers, wear appropriate protective gear, and regularly inspect and maintain equipment to prevent similar accidents.

In the event of an accident, immediately disconnect the power, administer proper first aid, and promptly transport the victim to a specialized medical facility for timely assessment and treatment to minimize functional sequelae.

Le Nga