[Pediatric finger and hand injuries : An epidemiological study].

backgroundThe hand is the second most frequently injured region of the body in children. The aim of this study was to evaluate age-related injury patterns, trauma mechanisms, as well as the need for surgery in pediatric patients with injuries to the hand. PATIENTS AND

methodsThis was a retrospective study analyzing the data between January 2008 and December 2014 at Frankfurt University Hospital. All patients were younger than 18 years old. All patients suffering trauma to the hand or the fingers were included. The injury mechanism, injury pattern as well as need for surgery were analyzed according to different age groups (0-3 years, 4-7 years, 8-12 years and 13-17 years). Major injuries were defined as fractures, dislocations, amputations and injuries of the tendons or nerves. Minor injuries included contusions and superficial wounds.

resultsOverall, 2823 emergency pediatric patients with an injury to the hand or fingers were included (61.5% male, median age 10.3 years). Of the injuries 60.4% were located on the fingers and 39.6% on the hand. Major injuries were found in 703 patients (24.9%) and minor injuries in 2120 patients (75.1%). Of those patients with a major injury, 74.8% suffered a fracture, 9.4% an injury of nerves and tendons and 7.0% an amputation. The most common trauma mechanism for major injuries was sports (24.2%), followed by crushing (17.9%) and falls (14.7%). Overall, 436 patients (15.5%) were surgically treated of which 9.4% were operated on in the operation room and 6.1% in the emergency room.

conclusionAlmost 75% of all children who presented to the emergency department following trauma to the fingers or the hand revealed minor injuries; however, 25% suffered a relevant, major injury. Overall, 15.5% had to be surgically treated. The most frequently found major injuries were fractures of the hand and the fingers.