Incidence of Hand and Wrist Disorders in Primary Care
Author Information
Author(s): Krastman Patrick, de Schepper Evelien IT, Bindels Patrick JE, Bierma-Zeinstra Sita MA, Kraan Gerald, Runhaar Jos
Primary Institution: Erasmus MC University Medical Center Rotterdam
Hypothesis
To determine the overall incidence and the incidence of specific types of hand and wrist disorders in primary care.
Conclusion
There is a large difference between the number of patients presenting to the GP with hand and wrist complaints and the number of hand and wrist diagnoses reported in the medical files.
Supporting Evidence
- The mean incidence of hand disorders was 5.9 per 1000 persons-years.
- The incidence of trigger finger was 3 per 1000 persons-years.
- The incidence of wrist fractures was 0.2 per 1000 persons-years.
- 61% of hand disorder cases involved females.
- The study included a healthcare registration database with over 200,000 patients.
Takeaway
Doctors see many patients with hand problems, but not all of them get diagnosed correctly. We need better ways to keep track of these issues.
Methodology
A retrospective cohort study using a healthcare registration database from Dutch general practice.
Potential Biases
Potential underestimation of incidence due to incomplete coding and lack of diagnostic expertise among GPs.
Limitations
The study may underestimate the incidence figures due to patients not consulting their GP initially and incomplete medical records.
Participant Demographics
Patients aged ≥18 years with a new diagnosis of hand or wrist disorder.
Statistical Information
Confidence Interval
95% CI = 2.69 to 3.15 for trigger finger; 95% CI = 1.03 to 1.33 for hand fracture; 95% CI = 0.98 to 1.28 for tendon injury; 95% CI = 0.48 to 0.69 for mallet finger; 95% CI = 0.06 to 0.14 for ligament injury.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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