Hand trauma epidemiology in a hospital setting in Togo

ABSTRACT

Purpose: Hand trauma epidemiological characteristics are lacking in low and middle-income countries. The aim of the study was to determine hand trauma characteristics to be use as a framework for planning hand surgical care in our country. Material et methods: Registers in Surgical Emergency Department from 1st June 2009 to 31st May 2014 were reviewed retrospectively to determine frequency, socio-demographic of patients and clinical characteristics of hands injuries. Results: Frequency of hand trauma was 0.7% of all admissions in the Surgical emergency department. The male to female ratio was 3.41. Mean age was 28 years. Manual work was the most representative occupation (33.2%). Road traffic accidents were the main circumstances of hand injuries (38%). Open injuries represented 68%. Fractures, dislocation and sprains were seen respectively in 41%, 31%, and 8% of cases. Simple wounds were seen in 38 % of all patients. Conclusion: Hand trauma seemed to be of low frequency in hospital in our setting. Main injuries encountered are fractures, dislocation, and sprains