Who suffers severe hand injuries?

Abstract

Hand injuries can result in significant functional and socioeconomic impairment. A review was undertaken to determine who suffered severe hand injuries and the conditions under which these occurred. A retrospective review of all patients with hand injuries requiring hospital admission of more than 24 hours in a primary referral centre over a 6-month period was carried out. A total of 135 patients were included in the study. All were male, with 70.5% aged~ 30 years old; 78.5% were Malaysians and 21.5% foreigners. All (100%) severe hand injuries were associated with industrial accidents. The majority (62.2%) occurred in one particular district within the hospital's catchment area. Hand injuries could be due to the industrial activity or a particular type of industrial activity within the hospital's catchment area. A more comprehensive study involving a larger sample may provide more information.