Two Students Have Hands Torn from Wrists During Tug of War

Posted on Oct 20, 2007

Forget dodge ball, bullying or birth-control pills on school grounds. The most serious issue could be “tug of war,” commonly played in physical education class.

In Parker, Colorado last week, two high school students nearly had their hands severed when one side suddenly released the rope.

Students were playing the game during a pep rally in the school gymnasium as part of Homecoming week. The school’s football game was cancelled.

"The rope was wrapped around his hand and in essence was like a noose,” said Dr. Lewis Oster of Hand Surgery Associates in Denver, according to WRC.com, the NBC affiliate in Washington, D.C.

One Student In Sugery 10 Hours

Henry Barrett and Mitch Helfer underwent micro surgery to reattach their hands. The 16-year-old Barrett -- in surgery 10 hours -- remained hospitalized in serious condition the day of the accident.

Barrett's doctor told Denver television station KMGH the 16-year-old wrapped the rope around the palm of his right hand for a better grip. "…a bunch of the kids let go, creating an imbalance in the tugging and it pulled his hand off,” said the surgeon.

Bones, Arteries & Muscles Reattached

Dr. Oster repaired the bones in Barrett’s hand with titanium plates. Then the surgeon reattached muscles, microscopic veins and arteries. The doctor anticipates his patient will play the flute again "and I anticipate it'll be in the next few months," according to United Press International.

"Based on the condition of the tissue, I'll think he'll have a fully functional hand," Dr. Oster said. The doctor said 40 percent of such injuries (avulsion) are successfully repaired. Barrett’s mother shared part of a poem her son composed from his hospital bed: "I may have been injured, but my eyes have been opened. The future has a mind of its own."

Helfer's family declined interview requests at Denver Health Hospital.