[Socioeconomic sequelae to hand injuries]

Remote results of hand injuries in 78 patients (93% males, 7% females) aged 16-82 (mean 39 years) were analyzed statistically and economically. Injuries sustained at work constituted 61%. All patients were operated on emergency basis, hospital stay ranged 1-93 days (mean 14 days). Further treatment on an outpatient basis lasted 4.5 months on an average. According to own 3-grade scale 24% results were rated good, 33%-fair and 43%-poor. Fifty-one per cent of patients resumed previous occupation, 17% found less demanding work and 15% were unable to work. Accident compensation fund was granted to 56% of patients. Great social cost of hand injuries is underlined in the paper.