special subjects
High Pressure Injection Injuries
Prognosis for HPI Injuries
The prognosis for patients with HPI injuries depends on the material injected. Paints and solvents cause the most severe injuries and result in the worst prognosis. The force of injection also affects prognosis: Less injury is expected when injection pressure is lower, and more extensive injuries are expected with when pressure is higher. Amputation rates for HPI injuries are reported to be as high as 50 to 80% if wounds involve solvents. Patients should be warned that permanent local pain, hyperesthesias, hot and cold intolerance, and wound contractures with permanent disability may result from HPI injuries. 