Arch Hand Microsurg.  2024 Sep;29(3):133-139. 10.12790/ahm.24.0015.

Epidemiology of pediatric hand lacerations: a retrospective cohort study focusing on age and injury-causing objects

• Lee DC
• Kim YW
• Koh SH
• Kim JS
• Roh SY
• Lee KJ

• KMID: 2558736
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.12790/ahm.24.0015

Abstract

Purpose
This study analyzed the epidemiology of pediatric hand lacerations in children under 6 years old, focusing on age-related characteristics and the household objects that caused these injuries.
Methods
We conducted a retrospective study of patients under 6 years old who presented with hand lacerations at our emergency department from January 2016 to December 2023. Data were collected on demographics, injury-related factors (the affected hand and finger, injury location, and injury-causing object), need for surgical intervention, and damage to deep structures. Patients were categorized as infants (0–1 years), toddlers (1–3 years), or preschoolers (3–6 years). We recorded the frequency, surgical intervention rates, and affected deep structures for each injury-causing object.
Results
Of 153 children treated for hand lacerations, toddlers were the most frequently injured (47.7%), followed by preschoolers (44.4%) and infants (7.8%). The index and middle fingers were particularly vulnerable in toddlers and preschoolers, while infantile injuries more commonly affected the palm. Among 31 identified objects, knives/blades, particularly cutting knives (13.7%) and broken glass (13.1%), were the leading causes, with injuries occurring primarily at home. Surgical intervention was necessary in 11.1% of cases, with eyebrow razors (33.3%) most often requiring surgery and causing damage to deep structures, including arteries, nerves, and flexor tendons.
Conclusion
The study highlights the significant role of developmental behaviors in pediatric hand laceration risk. Many injuries were caused by everyday household objects, including eyebrow razors, that are often underestimated as potential dangers. Preventive measures and guardian education are crucial to reduce the incidence of these injuries.

Keyword

Child; Hand injuries; Lacerations; Age groups

Figure

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  Fig. 1. Eyebrow razors that feature a blade at the top with a long handle for trimming eyebrows. (A) Capping type. (B) Folding type.

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  Fig. 2. A 1-year-old female infant presented with a complete rupture of the flexor digitorum profundus (FDP) tendon due to an eyebrow razor injury. (A–C) Intraoperative images of FDP tendon repair. (D) Two-year follow-up images showing a full range of motion in active flexion.

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