The spectrum of hand injuries

Abstract

Abstract 1. (1) A survey is presented of all injuries of the hand presenting to an Accident Service working in a catchment area of 445,000 people. 2. (2) In this area, provision needs to be made for the treatment of 6,000 patients with hand injuries each year. 3. (3) These patients require 9,000 attendances at the Accident Service and its related clinics. 4. (4) 2,700 of these patients are in employment at the time of injury, and the average time away from work as a result of injury is 1 week. 5. (5) Three months after injury, 30% of these patients still have symptoms relating to their accident.