An epidemiological investigation of acute occupational hand injuries

Abstract

To study composition, distribution and causes of acute occupational hand injuries in Beijing Jishuitan Hospital. From April 1st 2005 to September 30th 2005, all patients with acute hand injuries were investigated by questionnaire focusing on all related epidemiological elements. Two thousand six hundred fifty eight cases with acute hand injuries were about 17.3 % of patients with acute orthopedic injuries. Their mean age was (30.4 +/- 10.8) years old. The radio of males to females in cases with acute hand injuries was 57:1. The cutting and crushing injuries were the main causes of acute hand injuries. Most of cases with acute hand injuries were engaged in work related to machines. The acute hand injuries were mainly involved in index and middle figures of both hands, 94.9 % of acute hand injuries were opening, and 87.6% of acute hand injuries were involved in the deep tissues. Acute hand injuries are the common occupational severe injuries for young male workers. The acute hand injuries occur in patients engaged in work related to machines. The prevention of acute hand injuries should be emphasized.