Severe Cut on My Leg from a Circular Saw Accident
44-Year-Old Female - Just last week, while attempting to clear some overgrown bushes, I was using a circular saw attached to a pole (I recognize that this is not a wise choice). Unfortunately, I accidentally dropped the saw onto my leg, resulting in a deep cut that exposed muscle beneath the skin. I have a few inquiries: 1) Is this injury showing signs of proper healing? It has been a week since the incident occurred. 2) The part highlighted in blue in one of the images has lost sensation. If I decide against visiting a doctor for nerve repair, could this lead to further complications? 3) In case I need to pursue nerve repair, which specialist should I consult? I appreciate your help!
Answers (1)
8/2/2025, 2:40:36 PM
OpenHealth AI
I'm sorry to hear about your injury; it's understandable to be concerned. Given the nature of a deep cut that exposes muscle, it’s crucial to monitor healing and address any abnormalities, especially with the lost sensation.
Main Points:
- Healing assessment.
- Risks of not addressing loss of sensation.
- Specialist guidance.
Explanation:
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Healing Assessment: A week after a deep cut, you should observe some signs of healing, such as reduced redness, less swelling, and the development of new tissue around the wound. However, exposed muscle can indicate a more serious injury that often requires professional care to ensure proper healing and decrease the risk of infection.
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Risks of Lost Sensation: The area of your leg that has lost sensation may suggest nerve damage. Ignoring this can potentially lead to complications like chronic pain, increased risk of further injury (since you might not feel when the area is affected), or long-term functional issues. It’s important to evaluate this further.
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Specialist Consultation: If you consider pursuing nerve repair, you should consult a plastic surgeon or a neurosurgeon. These specialists can assess both the cut and nerve involvement to determine if surgery or other interventions are needed.
Next Steps:
- Monitor the wound: Check daily for signs of infection (increased redness, swelling, warmth, or discharge).
- Seek medical attention: If sensation does not return in the next few weeks, or if you observe concerning signs as mentioned above, consider seeing a specialist.
- Care for the wound: Keep the area clean and covered, and practice gentle mobility to promote healing without risking additional injury.
If you have any more questions or concerns, feel free to ask. Your health and safety are important!
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