Nothing says “Thanksgiving” like football, family and the enticing aromas of turkey, stuffing, yams and pumpkin pie. But no matter what’s included in a Thanksgiving spread, one dish nobody anticipates is a hand injury. This holiday season, the American Society for Surgery of the Hand cautions carvers to take steps to carve the main course and not their own hands. Every year during Thanksgiving, and throughout the holiday season, people sustain hand injuries while preparing their holiday feast. From cutting open pumpkins to carving the mouthwatering centerpiece, hand injuries are all too common. Fortunately, these injuries are avoidable.
There is more than one way to carve a turkey. I leave the performance of this task up to the carver. However what one shouldn't do is to not have a stable place or platform for the big bird. Definitely use a carving knife and large carving fork. Additionally, after all the football games have been watched and the multiple feeding sessions have taken place, beware of the meal clean up. Knives that are soaking in the sink and delicate glassware that is easy to break can cause significant injury to the hand, requiring surgical reconstruction. Tendons and nerves are definitely at risk, so drain that sink with the murky water first before gathering up those dishes and utensils for cleaning. Have a Happy Thanksgiving!
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