A national audit of hand injuries in UK
File(s)
Accepted version
Author(s)
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
Introduction
Hand injuries are a frequent cause of morbidity, with patterns influenced heavily by societal behaviour. This audit investigated hand injuries in the UK occurring after COVID-19 restrictions were lifted (early 2022) and compared them with data from the COVID-19 lockdown period (early 2021).
Methods
A multicentre cross-sectional study was conducted across 23 hospitals, with clinicians prospectively recording consecutive hand injuries over a 2-week period (February–March 2022). Eligible cases included referrals to Orthopaedic, Plastic, or Hand surgery services. Data were submitted using a standardised online proforma, and preventability was classified using predefined criteria.
Results
2,309 injuries were recorded from 23 hospitals – a 21% rise. Males made up 60% of cases. Median age was 34, similar to the lockdown period of 40. Sports-related injuries increased (10.2% to 22.7%), while DIY-related injuries declined (8% to 4%). Phalangeal and metacarpal fractures were the most common injuries. Alcohol and drug-related injuries rose from 2.4% to 4.5%. Overall, preventable injuries decreased from 50% to 35%, with only 19% of injuries in children under 16 deemed preventable. Most cases (63%) were managed non-operatively, and 43% required follow-up.
Conclusion
Following the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions, hand injuries increased, with a shift toward sports-related mechanisms and fewer preventable injuries. Despite this reduction, preventable injuries remain a substantial public health concern, highlighting opportunities for targeted safety interventions.
Hand injuries are a frequent cause of morbidity, with patterns influenced heavily by societal behaviour. This audit investigated hand injuries in the UK occurring after COVID-19 restrictions were lifted (early 2022) and compared them with data from the COVID-19 lockdown period (early 2021).
Methods
A multicentre cross-sectional study was conducted across 23 hospitals, with clinicians prospectively recording consecutive hand injuries over a 2-week period (February–March 2022). Eligible cases included referrals to Orthopaedic, Plastic, or Hand surgery services. Data were submitted using a standardised online proforma, and preventability was classified using predefined criteria.
Results
2,309 injuries were recorded from 23 hospitals – a 21% rise. Males made up 60% of cases. Median age was 34, similar to the lockdown period of 40. Sports-related injuries increased (10.2% to 22.7%), while DIY-related injuries declined (8% to 4%). Phalangeal and metacarpal fractures were the most common injuries. Alcohol and drug-related injuries rose from 2.4% to 4.5%. Overall, preventable injuries decreased from 50% to 35%, with only 19% of injuries in children under 16 deemed preventable. Most cases (63%) were managed non-operatively, and 43% required follow-up.
Conclusion
Following the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions, hand injuries increased, with a shift toward sports-related mechanisms and fewer preventable injuries. Despite this reduction, preventable injuries remain a substantial public health concern, highlighting opportunities for targeted safety interventions.
Date Acceptance
2026-09-22
Citation
JPRAS Open
ISSN
2352-5878
Publisher
Elsevier
Journal / Book Title
JPRAS Open
Copyright Statement
Copyright This paper is embargoed until publication. Once published the Version of Record (VoR) will be available on immediate open access.
License URL
Publication Status
Accepted