@article{ref1,
title="Two thumbs down: a 10-year analysis of crossbow-related hand and digit injuries in the United States",
journal="Hand (NY)",
year="2023",
author="Oleck, Nicholas C. and Pyfer, Bryan J. and Morris, Miranda X. and Mithani, Suhail K.",
volume="ePub",
number="ePub",
pages="ePub-ePub",
abstract="BACKGROUND: Modern crossbow is a popular weapon used throughout the United States for outdoor recreation. Crossbow mechanics place the hand and digits at significant risk of injury while shooting or handling these weapons; however, injury patterns have been poorly documented. In this study, the authors use a national database to assess patterns of crossbow-related injuries of the hand and digits. <br><br>METHODS: A retrospective review of the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System database was conducted to identify crossbow-related hand and digit injuries over the past 10 years. Demographic data, injury timing, anatomical injury location, specific injury diagnosis, and disposition data were collected. <br><br>RESULTS: A total of 15 460 crossbow-related hand injuries were identified between 2011 and 2021. A strong temporal relationship was identified, with 89% of injuries occurring between the months of August and December. Male patients sustained most injuries (>85%). Body areas injured were the digits (93.2%) and the hand (5.7%). The most common injuries were laceration (n = 7520, 48.6%), fracture (n = 4442, 28.7%), amputation (n = 1341, 8.7%), and contusion/abrasion (n = 957, 6.2%). More than 50% of cases involved injury to the thumb, with approximately 750 thumb amputations recorded during the time period examined. <br><br>CONCLUSIONS: This study is the first to document the patterns of hand and digit injuries associated with crossbow use on a national scale. These findings have important implications for public health awareness campaigns targeting hunters and support the designation of crossbow &quot;safety wings&quot; as a mandatory feature of crossbow design.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="1558-9447",
doi="10.1177/15589447231167579",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/15589447231167579"
}