Citation

Thapa AS, Rai SM, Nakarmi KK, Karki B, Gharti Magar M, Nagarkoti KK, Dahal P, Maharjan N, Pokharel PB, Lamichhane A. JNMA J. Nepal Med. Assoc. 2023; 61(257): 5-9.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2023, Nepal Medical Association)

DOI

10.31729/jnma.7969

PMID

37203910

PMCID

PMC10089049

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: The hand is a complex organ responsible for activities of daily living, making it susceptible to injuries and accidents. Hand injuries can result in significant functional impairment and it occurs in a younger productive age group. Therefore, it is important to understand the prevalence and patterns of hand injuries. The aim of the study was to find out the prevalence of hand injuries among patients visiting the emergency department of a tertiary care centre.

METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional study was in the Emergency Department of a dedicated trauma centre from 1 June 2022 to 31 August 2022. Ethical approval was obtained from the Institutional Review Board (Reference number: 148412078179). Demographic profile, pattern, and mechanism of hand Injuries of all 96 consecutive patients were assessed after taking informed consent. Convenience sampling method was used. Point estimate and 95% Confidence Interval were calculated.

RESULTS: Among 4679 patients visiting the emergency department of the trauma centre, hand injuries were seen in 96 (2.05 %) (1.64-2.46, 95% Confidence Interval).

CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of hand injuries was found to be lower than in other similar studies done in similar settings.

KEYWORDS: finger injuries; hand injuries; occupational injuries.

Language: en