Burden of Motorcycle-Related Hand and Wrist Trauma in Medan: A Hospital-Based Study

Motorcycle traffic accidents represent a growing public health concern, particularly in urban areas such as Medan, North Sumatra. This study aims to assess the incidence, patterns, and demographic characteristics of hand and wrist injuries resulting from motorcycle accidents in Medan, North Sumatra. This retrospective observational study analyzed the medical records of 327 patients admitted to the surgery department of Adam Malik General Hospital for hand and/or wrist injuries related to motorcycle traffic accidents between July 2022 and June 2024. Results show that out of 881 patients treated for hand and wrist injuries, 327 (37.1%) were specifically victims of motorcycle-related accidents. Among these, hand injuries constituted 73 cases (22.3%), wrist injuries accounted for 164 cases (50.1%), and combined hand and wrist injuries were present in 90 cases (27.5%). The demographics showed a male-to-female ratio of 3:1, with a mean age of 24.3 years (range: 1 to 78 years; median: 23 years). The adult population (ages 19–64) made up 78% of cases, children under 19 accounted for 19%, and the elderly (over 64 years) represented 3%. Injuries to the dominant hand were more prevalent, seen in 203 cases (62.4%), while fractures of the hand and wrist were identified in 96 (29.3%) and 197 (60.2%) patients, respectively. Notably, 11 patients (7.5%) required amputation. The study reveals a significant incidence of hand and wrist trauma among motorcyclists involved in traffic accidents in Medan, predominantly affecting adult males. The findings underscore the need for targeted prevention strategies and highlight the importance of addressing injuries to the dominant hand.