Wrist & Hand Injury Statistics in Children
Wrist, hand and finger injuries are among the most frequently seen in children. In fact, hand injuries alone account for approximately 2% of all pediatric Emergency Room visits every year. And, over the last 3 decades the frequency and severity of these injuries has increased.
In this article, Oakland County Board Certified Hand Surgeon Dr. Rehman shares some statistics about children’s hand injuries.
Why is there an Increase in Children’s Hand Injuries?
Trauma to the wrist and hand peaks during childhood, particularly in the teenage years, far exceeding the number of hand injuries in adults. It’s probably no surprise to parents that hand injuries occur the most in two age groups: toddlers and teenagers. Both of these age groups are notorious for exploration and risk-taking.
Toddlers use their hands to test things, reach for high objects, and explore new things, like the moving blades of a fan. During adolescence, kids use their hands to throw, punch, bat, etc. – as well as to brace themselves in a skateboard fall or athletic tackle.
Hand surgeons have reported that, as sports have become more extreme and more competitive, there has been a corresponding increase in hand, wrist and finger injuries. Additionally, girls – who were once relegated the sidelines – now participate in athletics almost as frequently as boys do.
Additionally, as each generation of kids becomes, bigger – and in many case heavier – falls put more weight on hands, wrists and fingers than before.
Broken Hand & Wrist Statistics in Children
A recent study conducted among hand surgeons found that among children aged 0 to 18 years, upper extremity fractures accounted for as many as 68% of all fractures.
The most common broken bone in kids is the distal radius – which is the larger forearm bone at the end near the wrist – accounting for twenty-six percent of all fractures in children. A close second was hand and wrist fractures – which accounted for 17% of fractures in children.
The most frequently fractured bones of the hand in children are the proximal phalanx or “fingertips” – lead by the small finger proximal phalanx or “fingertip”, and thumb proximal phalanx or “fingertip”.
When & Where do Children’s Hand Injuries Occur?
The most common time of day for a child to incur a hand and wrist injury is evening, with 57% of injuries occurring during at night compared to 39% occur during the school day or daytime. (And, for obvious reasons, only 4% of children’s hand injuries occur overnight from midnight to 8 a.m.
Children’s hand injuries occur most often while playing sports. In fact, a full 60% of all broken bones in both male and female kids takes place on a playing field, court, rink, etc. Home is the next most common place for kids’ injuries to occur, accounting for 25% of fractures. Surprisingly, school and road injuries are far less common, with less than 15% of fractures occurring there.
Top Oakland County Hand Surgeon
If you are suffering from an injury or pain in your fingers, wrist, elbow or arm, contact board certified Oakland County hand surgeon Doctor Rehman for a comprehensive evaluation and consultation. As with most medical conditions, early detection, awareness, and a prevention or treatment plan is the most effective way to combat conditions of the hand, wrist and arm.
Doctor Rehman will assess your individual situation, and prescribe the treatments that are best for your condition.
