Evolving trends of hand injuries in Korea (2010-2023): a comprehensive analysis and implications for hand surgeons

Purpose: Recent changes in industrial safety, technology, and demographics have raised questions about the evolving landscape of hand injuries in Korea. This study analyzed trends in hand injuries from 2010 to 2023 and assessed their implications for hand surgery.Methods: Data from the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service Big Data Open Portal were analyzed. Trends in crush injuries (S67), amputations (S68), fractures (S62), and lacerations (S61) were examined using descriptive statistics, time series decomposition, linear regression, and the chi-square test.Results: Crush injuries and amputations exhibited significant decreases (54.95% and 24.18% respectively, p<0.0001). Fractures increased by 16.19% (p=0.0228), while lacerations decreased by 6.73% (p<0.0001). The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic temporarily altered these trends, particularly for fractures.Conclusion: While severe industrial hand injuries have declined, likely due to improved safety measures and automation, the rise in fractures suggests a shift towards age-related and lifestyle injuries. This evolving pattern indicates a continuing need for hand surgery expertise, albeit with a changing focus. Future research should investigate the long-term impacts of societal changes, including the COVID-19 pandemic, on hand injury patterns.