The Painful Sacrifice: The Epidemiology of Hand Injuries During the Holy Festivals in the Sultanate of Oman-A 10-Year Case-Control Study.

BACKGROUND

The human hand is an important functional and sensory organ. Its complex anatomy reflects its important functional capabilities. Many Muslim countries observe the holy festivals with a traditional sacrifice of an animal in order to share the meat (basic commodity) with beloved ones. During such festivals hand injuries have been reported to increase. This study aimed to compare cases and controls of hand injuries treated at the national trauma center in the Sultanate of Oman during a 10-year time period.

METHODS

This is a case-control retrospective review for 10 years in the Sultanate of Oman. The cases were all hand injuries registered and assessed at Khoula Hospital in the Sultanate of Oman during the 3 days of both holy festivals from January 2004 to December 2013. Controls were hand injuries registered and assessed at Khoula Hospital in the Sultanate of Oman during nonfestival days. Data were extracted and collected from the Emergency Department database. A descriptive and comparative analysis was done.

RESULTS

There were 1091 cases reviewed in this study. Knife laceration was 2.4 more common during holy festivals than any other time. Extensor tendon injuries were 2.7 more common during holy festivals than nonfestival times. Thumb and index fingers constituted around 40% of the total injuries. Of all patients reviewed, 85% were treated and discharged home without admission.

CONCLUSION

Holy festivals in the sultanate of Oman are risky times for hand injuries. Knife lacerations are more common during such times than any other times. Emergency and plastic services should be aware of the pattern of hand injuries during such times in order to prepare and plan services accordingly.