Characteristics of Inpatients with Distal Phalangeal Injuries: Predictors of Long Term Hospitalization

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Distal phalangeal injury is one of the most common hand injuries. Distal phalanx is very small area, but in the patients who injure in this area, hospiltalization is often necessary. Some of the patients need the long hospital stay for three or more weeks. Assessment of trends of the injuries may help in enhancing patient education and designing the management plan. We analyzed the characteristics of inpatients with distal phalangeal injuries and the predictors of long-term hospitalization. METHODS: A retrospective review of inpatients with distal phalangeal injuries was performed consecutively from June 2008 to July 2015. Patient demographics and outcomes were compared with chi-squared analysis and Student's t-test. Using multivariate regression analysis, predictors of long-term hospitalization were identified. RESULTS: Five hundred and twelve patients were investigated. The rate of long-term hospitalization was 21.9%. Multivariate logistic regression model revealed that diabetes mellitus, operation time of three or more hours, amputation injury, injury sustained at an industrial place, complication, distant flaps, and replantation were significant risk factors of long-term hospitalization. CONCLUSION: This analysis will help evaluate the possibility of long-term hospitalization and manage patients with distal phalangeal injuries.