Hurling-related hand injuries

• Published in: Injury Vol. 34; no. 8; pp. 561 - 563
• Main Authors: Kiely, P.D., Ashraff, M., O’Grady, P., Dawson, M.J., O’Beirne, J.G.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford Elsevier Ltd 01.08.2003; Elsevier
• Subjects: Adolescent; Adult; Athletic Injuries - economics; Athletic Injuries - epidemiology; Athletic Injuries - therapy; Biological and medical sciences; Child; Cost of Illness; Female; Hand Injuries - economics; Hand Injuries - epidemiology; Hand Injuries - therapy; Humans; Injuries of the limb. Injuries of the spine; Ireland - epidemiology; Male; Medical sciences; Middle Aged; Traumas. Diseases due to physical agents; United Kingdom; Europe; Ireland; Human; Sport; Follow up study; Disease of the hand; Surgery; Health economy; Clinical form; Athlete; Protection; Trauma
• ISSN: 0020-1383; 1879-0267
• DOI: 10.1016/S0020-1383(02)00050-5

Hurling is a contact sport, associated with significant morbidity. We have identified specific hand injuries sustained by participants and quantified the functional and financial implications of these injuries. Over a 3-month period, all hand injuries seen in the fracture clinic of our regional trauma unit were studied prospectively. Of the 123 consecutive injuries, 41 (33%) were sustained during hurling matches. Metacarpal (47%) and proximal phalangeal (37%) fractures were the most frequent. Eight hurlers (20%) required surgical intervention. Only four (10%) of the injured players were wearing hand protection. The mean cost of injury to the player was £615. We suggest the introduction of the mandatory use of hand protection for hurling.