Smoking Synthetic Marijuana Leads to Self-Mutilation Requiring Bilateral Amputations

Orthopedics - Tập 37 Số 4 - 2014
Karim A. Meijer, Russell R. Russo, Dhaval V. Adhvaryu

Tóm tắt

Synthetic cannabinoids have become a worldwide epidemic because they provide a sometimes legal, easily accessible, and presumably safe alternative to marijuana. Recently published reports have linked acute psychosis, myocardial infarctions, convulsions, self-harm, and even terrorist organizations to these designer substances. This case report outlines the first reported case of Black Diamond, a synthetic cannabis, leading to a self-inflicted burn to the bilateral upper extremities requiring a transradial amputation of the right arm and a toe transfer procedure of the left hand after loss of all digits. The patient presented to the emergency department with self-inflicted fourth-degree burns to the bilateral hands and forearms with second-degree burns of the face, for a total body surface area of 14.5%. The patient was found by firefighters with his hands aflame on his kitchen stove. With no previous medical or psychiatric history and collateral information to confirm the patient’s mental status prior to use of Black Diamond, the patient’s acute psychotic episode was attributed to Black Diamond. After multiple procedures and a lengthy recovery, the patient completed his post-graduate education and entered the professional world. As orthopedic surgeons, we should be involved in educating the public on the harm of these designer drugs, including self-mutilation. The popularity of synthetic drugs in the United States will continue to present a major challenge to all health care providers. Orthopedists are on the front lines of this epidemic because these drugs push patients into risky, traumatic behavior.

Từ khóa


Tài liệu tham khảo

Pierre JM. Cannabis, synthetic cannabinoids, and psychosis risk: what the evidence says. Current Psychiatry. 2011; 10(9):49–57. https://www.procon.org/files/current_psychiatry_psychosis.pdf. Accessed: July 3, 2013.

10.1016/j.ajem.2010.07.020

10.1542/peds.2010-3823

10.1007/s13181-011-0182-2

10.3928/01477447-20111122-36

10.1016/j.jemermed.2012.07.061

Stafford N. Synthetic cannabis mimic found in herbal incense. Chemistry World News. January 15, 2009. http://www.rsc.org/chem-istryworld/News/2009/January/15010901.asp. Accessed March 1, 2014.

Adams S. Teens in Britain getting legally high on synthetic cannabis banned across Europe. The Telegraph. February 13, 2009. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknes/law-and-order/4611523/Teens-in-Britain-Getting-Legally-High-on-Synthetic-Cannabis-Banned-Across-Europe.html. Accessed March 1, 2014.

10.1136/bmj.332.7534.172

10.1093/jat/bks066

10.3389/fnbeh.2011.00060

10.1111/j.1360-0443.2010.03119.x

Cloherty J Zhang S. Bath salts and other synthetic drugs making “millions” for terrorists. abcnew.com Website. http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/bath-salts-synthetic-drugs-making-millionsterrorists/story?id=19507041. Published June 27 2013. Accessed January 1 2014.

Thông tin
Thông tin xuất bản

Orthopedics

Tập 37 Số 4

Thông tin tác giả