The increasing use of high pressures in industry undoubtedly will result in many accidental penetrations of tissue by foreign materials. A case of destruction of a finger by fuel oil ejected from a Diesel engine has been reported in The Journal.1 The present case concerns a more widespread hazard, as the type of lubricating mechanism involved is becoming common.
REPORT OF CASE
J. W., an automobile mechanic aged 31, was lubricating the springs of a passenger car with a device which ejects grease from a hollow needle inserted into grease fittings. His right hand, which held the "gun," slipped, and the needle barely touched the skin at the volar base of the left index finger. The valve automatically tripped, and grease with an asphalt base under a pressure of 7,000 pounds was forced into the finger. The digit immediately became numb, and the patient felt weak and faint. A