Epidemiology and outcome of nerve injuries of the hand and distal forearm in Germany: An analysis based on the HandTraumaRegister Deutsche Gesellschaft für Handchirurgie.

Abstract

Background: Nerve injuries of the hand and distal forearm are common and frequently lead to significant functional impairments for affected patients.

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the epidemiology of nerve injuries on the hand and distal forearm in Germany.

Study design and methods: This study is a statistical analysis and presents data from the HandTraumaRegister DGH (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Handchirurgie), focusing on the epidemiology of nerve injuries of the hand and distal forearm in Germany between 2018 and 2023. A total of 5479 nerve injuries were documented in 3606 patients.

Results: The metacarpals and phalanges are primarily affected. The left hand (58%; n = 2078) is injured more often than the right hand (40%; n = 1454). Cut, circular saw, and crush injuries make up most trauma mechanisms (77%; n = 4197). The index finger is most injured overall (35%; n = 1404), while the thumb is least affected (4.4%; n = 178). The median nerve is the most impacted, with an incidence of 86% (n = 4695). Men are approximately 3.5 times more frequently affected than women.

Conclusions: Future efforts should focus on prevention, improved surgical techniques, and rehabilitation to reduce nerve injuries and enhance patient outcomes, with expanded registries supporting evidence-based care.