Background: Hand is the most commonly injured part of our body. The aim of treatment is
always to restore its movement, strength and dexterity. The quality of primary treatment often
determines the maximal potential for recovery. The objective of this study was to evaluate the
management outcome and consequences of the injured hand.
Methods: Between 1st January 2005 and 31st December 2005, a total of 253 patients were treated
in Tikur Anbessa University Hospital for acute hand injury that presented within the first 24
hours of the occurrence. We evaluate the mechanism of injury, types and duration of treatments
and complications.
Results: The mean age was 32 years and the male to female ratio was 7:1. The majority of
patients were wood worker (32%) followed by laborers (25%) and machine operators (15%).
Three quarter of the injuries occurred at work, of which 74% were caused by machines. The
commonest injuries included fracture in 39% of which the majority (85%)mwere compound,
amputation in 31% and soft tissue injury in 26%. The injury severity was moderate and above
in 54%. Most were managed at emergency out-patient department and the average total
treatment time was 93 days. The average impairment of hand function before and after
treatment was 6% and 19% respectively. The main reason for more loss of function after
treatment were more proximal corrective amputation (31%), prolonged immobilization (28%)
in nonfunctional position (17%), healed in unacceptable position (19%) and infection (13%).
Final results were poor in 62%, this was not significantly associated with severity of the injury.
Conclusion: Improving treatment of injured hand and establishing specialized center for hand
injury may shorten duration of treatment and improve result.
