Epidemiological analysis of hand injuries in infants and toddlers

Objective To investigate the epidemiological characteristics of hand injuries in infants and toddlers, and to provide scientific evidence for the prevention of accidental injuries. Methods A total of 487 cases of hand injuries in infants and toddlers registered from January 2011 to June 2015 were retrospectively reviewed. The epidemiology and characteristics of these injuries were analyzed. Results In this series the incidence in boys was higher than that in girls, with a male to female ratio of 2.04∶1. The difference was statistically significant. The incidence of injury was highest among children 24 to 35 months of age accounting for 37.37%. The highest incidence occurred in April (11.91%), while the lowest in December (4.52%). The second quarter of the year saw the highest incidence of injuries, accounting for 29.16%. In the past four years, the incidence increased year by year. 50.10% of the injuries happened in children in Changsha city. There were 79 types of injuries, which could be divided into 9 categories. Getting jammed in doors and windows was the predominant cause of injury (14.58%). Injuries to the fingers were most seen (71.46%), among which 27.04% involved the index finger. Finger amputation was the most seen injury (31.42%). The average hospitalization time was (8.29±6.67) days. The clinical cure rate was 29.77% and the improvement rate was 69.61%. Conclusion This study reflected the characteristics and trend of hand injuries in infants and toddlers in the area. The risk factors for these injuries are lack of surveillance from parents and guardians. Key words: Hand injuries; Infant; Epidemiology; Analysis