Intentional Hand Fractures are Associated with Future Psychiatric Conditions in Youth

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Plastic Surgery
• Child Psychiatry
• Public Health

Background:

• Pediatric hand fractures are common injuries.
• The link between hand fracture mechanisms and mental health service use is unknown.
• This study examines the relationship between pediatric hand fracture causes and future mental health and addictions (MHA) service engagement.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between pediatric hand fracture mechanisms and subsequent MHA service utilization.
• To identify risk factors for future MHA presentation and psychiatric diagnoses following hand injuries.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective cohort study of pediatric plastic surgery patients (2012-2017).
• Data included demographics, fracture mechanism/location, and MHA service presentation.
• Logistic regression analyzed risk factors for MHA assessment and psychiatric diagnoses.

Main Results:

• 1184 pediatric hand fractures analyzed; 12.2% were intentional injuries.
• Intentional injuries were associated with older age and male gender.
• Patients with intentional injuries had a 5.59 times higher risk of MHA assessment.
• Intentional fractures correlated with ADHD, anxiety, depression, and substance use disorders.

Conclusions:

• Intentional pediatric hand fractures are strongly associated with future MHA assessment.
• Identifying intentional injury mechanisms warrants early screening and referral to MHA services.
• This highlights a critical need for integrated care pathways for injured youth.