The Burden of Hand Injuries at a Tertiary Hospital in Sub-Saharan Africa

Abstract

Background. Hand injuries are common worldwide and lead to heavy financial losses in terms of treatment, job loss, and time off duty. There is paucity of data on hand injuries in sub-Saharan Africa. The aim of this study was to determine the burden and early outcomes of hand injuries at a tertiary hospital. Method. A descriptive prospective study. Eligible patients were recruited over 5 months and followed up for four weeks. Pain, nerve function, and gross functions of the hand were assessed. Results. In total 138 patients were enrolled out of 2940 trauma patients. Of these, 122 patients returned for follow-up. The majority of the patients were males (83%). Mean age was 26.7 years (SD 12.8). The commonest places of injury occurrence were the workplace (36%), home (28%), and on the road (traffic crushes) (23%). Machines (21.3%) were the commonest agent of injuries; others were knives (10%) and broken glass (10%). Sixty-three (51%) patients still had pain at one month. Conclusions. Hand injuries accounted for 4.7% of all trauma patients. Road traffic crushes and machines were the commonest causes of hand injuries. Men in their 20s were mostly involved. Sensitization for prevention strategies at the workplace may be helpful.

The Burden of Hand Injuries in Delta State, Nigeria

“…11 It was the belief of Makobore et al, that targeted campaigns to sensitize workplaces and reduce accidents on the road may contribute to prevention of hand injuries. 6 We also hold the above to be true from our findings in this study. Furthermore, cultism and violence in schools and communities can be eradicated or brought to the barest minimum, at least, by appropriate legislation, greater vigilance and responsibility by the relevant security agencies.…”

“…This was similar to findings in Mulago, Uganda where half of the participants were unable to fully use the injured hand for work for at least a month following hand injury. 6 In this study, deep lacerations were the commonest injuries sustained and so a lot of tendon injuries, both flexors and extensors, as well as nerve and bone injuries were sustained. Consequently, the commonest surgical procedures performed were tendon repairs (flexors more than extensors).…”

“…In Uganda's largest hospital 6% of all trauma admissions in the emergency department are hand injuries. 6 Although much of the hand injuries are managed by plastic surgeons and orthopedic surgeons, hand emergencies are important in general practice. 7 In developing countries, they are usually managed by non-specialists with little experience and training in management of hand injuries.…”

“…7 In developing countries, they are usually managed by non-specialists with little experience and training in management of hand injuries. 6 This study was therefore aimed at documenting the patterns of hand injuries and the resulting disabilities in our immediate environment.…”

A descriptive study of patterns of traumatic hand injury cases in a tertiary care hospital

“…1 Hand injury accounts for 5.5% of total trauma patients with road traffic accidents and machines as the most typical modes of injury. 2 Pre-hospital care in India is still in a nascent stage, being mostly available in metropolitan cities with only 4% of the ambulance workers having certified training. Only 56% ambulances have one or more paramedics even though most of have supplies for intravenous infusion and blood pressure measurements.…”