Epidemiology of Hand Injuries Seen at Two Teaching Hospitals in Southern Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Hand injuries are very devastating to the patients and can ruin patient’s ability to function as an independent human. This could also lead to depression and social isolation. It is a very common presentation at the emergency room. The incidence is on the increase worldwide.

Methods: This is a retrospective clinical audit of patients with hand injuries to the Plastic Units of both Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital (ISTH) and ObafemiAwolowo University Teaching Hospital (OAUTH) from September 2011 and August 2014. All data were obtained from the patients’ case-files and analyzed.

Results: 235 hand cases presented to the two Teaching Hospitals during the period studied and hand injuries account for 54.4%. Male to female ratio was 4.5:1 with right-hand dominance. Hand injuries due to assault were high in this study

Conclusion: We observed that the incidence of hand injuries, was high in these hospitals especially those due to assault. Behavioral change and re-orientation of the people will reduce the presentation. There is need for hand unit in this region.

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