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Left-hand dominance and hand trauma

J S Taras1, M J Behrman, G G Degnan

  • 1Philadelphia Hand Center, PA 19107, USA.

The Journal of Hand Surgery
|November 1, 1995
PubMed
Summary

Left-handed individuals face a significantly higher risk of major hand injuries, particularly amputations, compared to right-handed individuals. This study highlights the need for enhanced safety measures for left-handed workers.

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Area of Science:

  • Orthopedics
  • Occupational Health
  • Trauma Surgery

Background:

  • Hand dominance is a fundamental aspect of human motor function.
  • Understanding injury patterns related to hand dominance is crucial for workplace safety and injury prevention.
  • Previous research has not fully elucidated the differential risk of severe hand injuries based on handedness.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between hand dominance and the risk of major hand injuries, specifically digital amputations.
  • To compare the incidence of left-hand dominance in patients with major hand trauma versus minor hand trauma.
  • To determine the relative risk of amputating injuries for left-handed versus right-handed individuals.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective review of case records for 125 patients treated for digital amputation.
  • Evaluation of a control group of 116 patients treated for minor hand trauma.
  • Statistical analysis to compare the incidence of left-hand dominance and assess relative risk.

Main Results:

  • Left-hand dominance was significantly more prevalent in the digital amputation group (35%) compared to the minor trauma group (11%).
  • Left-handed individuals were more likely to sustain amputating injuries to their dominant hand (70% vs. 51%).
  • Left-handed individuals had a 4.9 times greater relative risk of amputating hand injuries, while minor trauma incidence was proportional to handedness distribution.

Conclusions:

  • Left-handed individuals exhibit a disproportionately higher risk for severe hand injuries, particularly amputations.
  • Power saws were identified as a common cause of amputating hand injuries.
  • Recommendations include implementing enhanced safety protocols and redesigning tools and workstations to mitigate risks for left-handed individuals.

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