Scaphoid fracture due to rigid handcuffs

J Hand Surg Eur Vol. 2008 Aug;33(4):484-7. doi: 10.1177/1753193408089055. Epub 2008 May 1.

Abstract

Rigid handcuffs have been designed to allow ease of application and to allow better control of violent suspects by the police. This paper reports a case of scaphoid fracture sustained during inappropriate use of these handcuffs. The mechanism of injury described has been simulated for demonstration. Law enforcement officers and clinicians need to be aware of the risks of inappropriate use of these handcuffs.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Fractures, Bone / diagnostic imaging*
  • Fractures, Bone / etiology*
  • Fractures, Bone / surgery
  • Humans
  • Law Enforcement
  • Male
  • Radiography
  • Restraint, Physical / adverse effects*
  • Restraint, Physical / instrumentation*
  • Scaphoid Bone / injuries*