Epidemiology of occupational hand injuries presenting to a tertiary care center in Türkiye over a one-year period

Background: Work-related hand injuries constitute a major public health concern and a significant cause of occupational morbidity and lost productivity, particularly in highly industrialized regions. This study aimed to evaluate the epidemiological characteristics of patients presenting with occupational hand injuries in Kayseri, Türkiye. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted, evaluating 586 patients with work-related hand injuries between January 2024 and December 2024. Inclusion criteria comprised isolated hand injuries resulting from occupational accidents and documented patient consent. Demographic parameters, injury mechanisms, affected anatomical zones, and treatment modalities were systematically analyzed. Results: The patient cohort was predominantly male (91.9%), with a mean age of 31 years. The machinery sector accounted for the highest incidence of trauma (30.7%). High-energy crush injuries inflicted by press machines were the predominant mechanism of injury (62.0%). Topographically, the index finger (second digit) was the most frequently injured. While 71% of patients were treated and discharged directly from the emergency department, 29% required formal hospital admission. Anatomical analysis revealed that among the individual tendons lacerated, 57.8% involved the extensor zones and 42.2% involved the flexor zones. Furthermore, left-hand digital injuries (54%) were significantly more prevalent than right-hand injuries. Conclusion: Occupational hand injuries disproportionately afflict young male industrial workers and are primarily driven by high-energy mechanisms, resulting in trauma that ranges from superficial lacerations to devastating amputations.