Atlanta, Georgia – Avocado lovers beware! It’s the season where many end up with hand injuries from cutting into the beloved fruit. From April to July, hand surgeons see a surge in cases dubbed “Avocado hand.” These injuries typically happen when someone’s grip slips on an avocado while using a sharp knife, resulting in cuts to the palm or fingers, sometimes severing nerves and tendons.
Hand surgeon Eric Wagner from Emory University in Atlanta has treated individuals who have lost a finger while slicing an avocado. He conducted a study with his colleagues, revealing that over 50,000 people in the United States sought emergency room treatment for avocado-related knife wounds between 1998 and 2017. Shockingly, the incidence of such injuries has significantly increased over the years.
The rise in avocado-related injuries mirrors the fruit’s popularity in the United States. With the average American consuming about 7.5 pounds of avocados yearly by 2017, it comes as no surprise that these injuries have become more common. Research has shown that about 2% of all consumer product-related injuries reported to the federal government are due to cutting avocados. This issue is not exclusive to the United States, as cases have been documented in various countries around the world.
Most injuries from avocado cutting occur among women aged 23 to 39, predominantly on their left hand, which they use to hold the fruit while cutting. These incidents usually happen on weekends from April to July, coinciding with increased outdoor activities and social gatherings. Alcohol consumption at events has also played a role in some cases, leading to a lack of caution while handling the knife.
To prevent avocado hand, experts recommend using a cutting board, holding the avocado securely, and cutting away from the hand and fingers. Safety measures, such as using a butter knife instead of a sharp one, can also reduce the risk of injuries. Sharing his personal experience, Wagner emphasizes the importance of taking precautions while cutting avocados, even for seasoned professionals like himself and his wife, who is also a surgeon.
For those concerned about healthy eating and avoiding avocado hand, reaching out to EatingLab@washpost.com with questions may lead to valuable insights in future columns. Stay safe while enjoying your favorite superfood to prevent unnecessary injuries.