Complex bone injuries in the hand and forearm pose considerable physical and psychological challenges to patients. However, there is limited research on the psychological effects of these injuries. This study seeks to clarify the psychological impact and frequency of injuries in various hand bones. This cross-sectional study included 166 patients with complex hand and forearm injuries. Injuries were classified based on amputations and fractures involving phalanges, fingers, and other bones. Psychological assessments utilised standardised tools to gauge post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) levels. Our findings suggest that injury rates differ among the phalanges and individual fingers. The intermediate phalanx (P2) of the thumb had the most injuries, while no injuries were found in the proximal phalanx (P1) of the small finger. Amputations and fractures were found to be positively associated with increased symptoms of PTSD. This study emphasises the importance of recognising the psychological effects of hand and forearm bone injuries. The data indicate the need for a multi-disciplinary treatment approach that includes psychological interventions for optimal patient care. The study emphasises the necessity for additional research to further investigate these matters.
Keywords: Hand trauma; PTSD; amputation; bone injury; fracture.
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