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Open Access 01-02-2022 | Hand Injury | Original Paper

An exploratory study of the impact of firecracker-induced hand injuries on adolescents and their parents

Authors: Annekatrien Louise van de Kar, Elianne Madeleine Eijffinger, Oren Lapid, Chantal Mathilda Antonius Maria van der Horst, Mirjam de Haart

Published in: European Journal of Plastic Surgery | Issue 1/2022

Abstract

Background

Severe hand injuries due to firecrackers are unfortunately common in the Netherlands. These injuries are expected to have long-term functional and psychological sequalae. We performed a study to assess the long-term impact of such injuries on the victims and their parents.

Methods

Eight sequential adolescent patients that underwent surgery for firecracker-induced severe hand injuries between September 2012 and March 2015 were included. The patient files were assessed for data on hand function. The impact of the injuries was measured by questionnaires and measure instruments: VAS for pain, CHEQ2.0 and COPM-DLV for activities and participation, PedsQL-4.0 for participation and quality of life, RSES for self-esteem, and DT-P for impact on parents.

Results

Seven of the eight patients underwent (partial) hand amputation. Three adolescents still reported pain at a mean of 3.2 years post-trauma. All adolescents required more time than peers performing activities. Seven showed a total of 34 activity and participation problems. One adolescent showed no problems at all. The adolescents showed a mean score of 81 on the PedsQL-4.0, which was not different to healthy adolescents. None had problematic low self-esteem. Six out of eight parents had elevated distress; three parents stated that they still needed psychological support.

Conclusions

Severe hand trauma due to firecrackers has an evident impact on hand function and activities in all adolescents. The injuries have a significant long-lasting psychological impact on the parents. Prolonged psychological help is recommended for the adolescents as well as their parents with a more family-centered approach.

Level of evidence: Level IV, therapeutic study.

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Title: An exploratory study of the impact of firecracker-induced hand injuries on adolescents and their parents
Authors: Annekatrien Louise van de Kar
Elianne Madeleine Eijffinger
Oren Lapid
Chantal Mathilda Antonius Maria van der Horst
Mirjam de Haart
Publication date: 01-02-2022
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Keyword: Hand Injury
Published in: European Journal of Plastic Surgery / Issue 1/2022
Print ISSN: 0930-343X
Electronic ISSN: 1435-0130
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00238-021-01861-x

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

An exploratory study of the impact of firecracker-induced hand injuries on adolescents and their parents

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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