In the life of a future podiatrist: I cut all my fingers removing my scalpel blade!

Because we are committed to welcoming you all into the extended family of Pedicurists-Podiatrists (and to keeping you as a member if you are already one), we feel it is important to remind you of some key safety guidelines. Indeed, cutting your fingers with a scalpel blade is not something you were taught in school, far from it! However, sometimes our clumsiness plays tricks on us, and these sharp little blades cause serious damage to our hands. We met Solène, a victim of cosmetic surgery! Exclusive investigation: how a podiatry student almost lost her little fingers!

The interview

My Podologie: Hello Solène, please introduce yourself briefly!

Solène: Hello My Podologie! I am 22 years old, I am in my final year of podiatry in Nantes and if all goes well I will graduate at the beginning of summer.

My Podologie: Pleased to meet you! Under what circumstances did this happen to you?

Solène: From February to the end of March, we're doing our final internship before graduation. It's an intense six weeks for us! One morning, when I finished my consultation, I went back to clean my cubicle and tried to remove my scalpel blade with tweezers (a mistake you shouldn't make, even if you feel comfortable using them). When I got stuck, my hand slipped under the scalpel blade...

My Podiatry: Ouch... the consequences?

Solène: I had an operation with 16 stitches and two severed tendons (in my right hand, otherwise it wouldn't be funny...). This accident resulted in four weeks of sick leave. I can tell you that I'll never remove my blade like that again, and I have nightmares about it! I lost my entire internship period, which I'll have to make up in June, jeopardizing my degree.

My Podologie: Sorry to hear that... Had you learned how to remove a scalpel blade?

Solène: Yes, we were taught to use the notch-tweezers, but I don't find them that easy to use, that's why I used nail clippers.

My Podologie: Do you have anything to say to the podiatrists and future podiatrists who read us?

Solène: To all podiatrists and future podiatrists, please be very careful when handling your instruments. I, who feel very comfortable using them, never thought such an accident would happen to me, and today I'm paying the price... I've been thinking about getting a blade extractor ever since the day I cut myself, so it never happens again!

Today marks three weeks since I went on sick leave. I've had my stitches removed and I'm not in any pain, but I'm considering rehabilitation to regain my full range of motion!

My Podologie: Thank you Solène, we wish you a very speedy recovery!

In conclusion...

Even if we feel comfortable with everyday actions, like removing a blade from its handle with nail clippers, there is a risk. The risk is not only of cutting yourself, but also of becoming infected by residue on the blade that was used to treat a patient. The risks of bloodborne infections are considerable.

To protect your hands and, above all, avoid a hospital stay, there's a very simple solution: use a blade extractor. Compact and very affordable, this small tool will allow you to safely remove your scalpel blades.

My Podologie offers a selection of blade extractors and waste collectors: