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Fingertip injuries in paediatric patients - experiences at an emergency centre in Saudi Arabia
1Department of Paediatric Emergency, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. abdullahforaihalanazi@yahoo.com
Insights
Fingertip injuries disproportionately affect children under five, particularly during vacations. Preventive measures are crucial to reduce these common household accidents, especially those involving doors.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Emergency Medicine
- Traumatology
- Public Health
Background:
- Fingertip injuries represent a significant cause of pediatric emergency department visits.
- Understanding the epidemiology of these injuries is vital for effective prevention strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify etiological factors contributing to pediatric fingertip injuries.
- To assess injury severity and explore preventive measures.
- To reduce the incidence of these preventable calamities.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 200 children with fingertip injuries treated between 2010-2011.
- Data collected included patient demographics, injury circumstances (time, location, source), injury type (fracture, tendon damage), and treatment.
- Analysis focused on age, sex, vacation periods, accommodation type, and injury specifics.
Main Results:
- The highest incidence of fingertip injuries occurred in children younger than 5 years.
- Injuries were more prevalent during vacation periods and among children residing in apartments.
- Crush injuries from house doors were the most frequent cause; boys experienced fractures more often than girls.
Conclusions:
- Children under 5 years are at a high risk for fingertip injuries.
- Vacation periods and apartment living are associated with increased injury rates.
- Implementing targeted preventive measures is essential to mitigate these accidents.
Objectives:
To investigate the etiological factors, intensity of injuries and the possible preventive measures of fingertip injuries and to avert such calamities.
Methods:
A study was undertaken retrospectively on 200 children who had presented with fingertip injuries to the Paediatric Emergency Department of the King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, during the years 2010-2011. The markers analyzed included age and sex of the patients, period when the injury occurred (vacation and/or non-vacation), accommodation, where the children dwelled, source of injury, localization of the injury, fracture or tendon damage, and modality of treatment.
Results:
The frequency of injuries was highest among younger children (< 5 years). Majority of injuries were found to occur during vacation period among patients who dwell in apartments and villas at residential compounds. House doors were the most common mode of crush injuries. The frequency of fractures was found to be more frequent in boys vs. girls. Suturing and conservative treatment were common mode of treatments. Of the total, 188 patients who attended the emergency had proper movement and alignment by the end of their treatment, while 12 patients demonstrated complications.
Conclusion:
Children below 5 years age were involved in fingertip injuries in a large number. Injuries were more common in vacations and in children living in appartments. Preventive measures are necessary to avoid these accidents.
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