EPIDEMIOLOGY OF TRAUMATIC INJURIES OF THE UPPER LIMBS IN A UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL.

Objective: To evaluate the epidemiology of traumatic injuries of the upper limbs treated at a university hospital and identify the causes, types of injuries, and risk factors.

Methods: A prospective study was performed with accidents resulting in trauma categorized into three groups: domestic, occupational, or transportation-related. A questionnaire containing information about the patient and the accident was administered. Lesion characteristics were evaluated according to the injured area, the type of injury, and the management strategy adopted for each case.

Results: A total of 613 patients were evaluated. The most frequent accidents were domestic (66.6%), predominantly involving men (67.9%) with a mean age of 31 years. Wrist lesions prevailed in transportation-related (31.1%) and domestic (29.6%) accidents, and in accidents involving fingers at work (54.2%). Closed fractures were more frequent and conservative treatment was indicated most often. Serious injuries were associated with finger accidents (39.4%). There was a correlation between the level of education and the type of accident.

Conclusion: Traumatic injuries of the upper limbs were more frequent in domestic accidents and in male patients. Closed fractures were the most common type of fracture and were usually treated conservatively. Serious injuries were more often related to finger trauma. Education level influenced domestic, transportation-related, and occupational accidents.