[Epidemiological study of traumatic hand injuries in Toluca, State of Mexico].

BACKGROUND

Traumatic hand injuries are among the principal types of injuries. These injuries refer to any acute damage caused to the hand by an external agent. The aim of this study was to determine the characteristics of these injuries in our unit.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the characteristics of hand injuries at the Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery of the Centro Médico "Licenciado Adolfo López Mateos" (CMLALM) and compare the results with those reported in other countriesMethods: Retrospective study of patients diagnosed with traumatic hand injury treated at the Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery service at CMLALM during the period from September 6, 2010 to September 5, 2011.

RESULTS

One hundred five cases were treated. There was a predominance of males (82.9%). The most affected group was 20-29 years old (44.8%). The right hand was the most injured (46.7%). The most common mechanism of injury was due to abrasion (41%) followed by sharp objects (32.4%). The dominant hand was the most damaged (50.47%). The most common injuries were open type (88.6%) and single type (84.8%).

CONCLUSIONS

Hand injuries were more common in men and were occupationally related; therefore, occupational safety programs must be improved. The characteristics of traumatic hand injuries in our unit were very similar to those seen worldwide.