Epidemiology and prevention of hand amputations in Greece: data from the Emergency Department injury surveillance system. (1st March 2011)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Panagopoulou, P; Iakovakis, I; Mentis, A F A; Dessypris, N; Petridou, E
• Is Part Of: Injury prevention. Volume 16(2010)Supplement 1
• Page Start: A173
• Page End: A173
• Publication Date: 2011-03-01
• Subjects: Children's accidents -- Prevention -- Periodicals; Accidents -- Prevention -- Periodicals; 617.1
• DOI: 10.1136/ip.2010.029215.618
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1353-8047

Abstract

Abstract : Hand amputations constitute a major cause of disability and public health concern with significant socio-economic dimensions. Aim: To investigate hand amputation epidemiology, identify risk groups and estimate the potential for prevention. Methods: EDISS in Greece, comprising four hospitals across the country, captures patient and injury information (demographics, accident conditions, injury description, outcome). During 1996–2004, among ∼0.5 million cases recorded, 86 211 were hand injuries resulting in 964 amputations (1.1%). To identify preventable amputation causes detailed injury descriptions regarding injury mechanism were examined. Results: Among hand amputations 937 involved fingers, 23 palms and 4 wrists. The estimated (extrapolated) number of amputations was 3940 and the calculated overall incidence rate (IR) 3.62 per 10 000 person-years. The highest IR (8.02) was recorded among males 15–64 years old. The three most common mechanisms involved: tools in 445 (57.8%), doors in 172 (22.3%) and materials in 50 (6.5%) cases; of note, 148 victims were woodworkers (15.3%). The least common causes were animals, jewellery and fireworks (10, 7 and 6 cases respectively). Analysis of the accident conditions revealed the most common causes: lack of preventive measures/appropriate training and work overload. Most amputations due to doors were attributed to non-use of door handle while closing the door or could have been prevented by a chocking door closing mechanism. Conclusions: Amputations of the hand constitute a small but non-negligible percentage of all hand injuries. The main risk group is young males and woodwork professionals, whereas doors pose a significant risk. Raising awareness and implementing simple measures could reduce the burden of this disabilitating injury.