Occupational hand trauma - Mechanism of injury and transient risk factors in Jerusalem.

Introduction: Although prevalent, and variable geographically, there is little information on the incidence and risk factors for occupation hand trauma in our health care system. This pilot study was designed to determine the optimal data collection methods for transient risk factors locally METHODS: All adult patients with occupational hand trauma treated at an emergency department (ED) during a three-month period were interviewed, either in person or by phone, using a case crossover designed questionnaire, regarding occupation and exposure to potential transient risk factor.

Results: Of 206 patients treated with occupational trauma during the study period, 94 had trauma distal to the elbow (46%).