epidemiological study of hand injuries at a University Hospital, Al-Khobar, Saudi Arabia 1995-1999

This was a cross-sectional study of hand injuries [HI] presented to the Emergency Room of King Fahd Hospital of the University in Al- Khobar during the first half of the years 1995-1999. This study included 2231 patients identified over the five years. More males, Saudis and young patients [less than 39 years] were affected. In 1995, the place of injury was mainly home, followed by work. The most affected patients were children less than five years of age and students. Fingers were involved in 54.7% of cases, then wrists in 15.2%. Laceration was encountered mostly in 44.5% of cases. The cause was predominantly falls. Association between young age and severe hand injury was statistically significant