Individual, community and societal burden following acute hand and wrist injury

Injuries to the hand and wrist are common and account for a significant amount of emergency department presentations. The burden placed on the individual, community and society as a result of these injuries can be substantial; however, the actual cost of these injuries in Australia is mostly unknown. Using various methods, this research found that these injuries have the potential to lead to substantial costs and impacts on the individual patient, their families, the workplace, the public health system and broader society in Australia. Recommendations for reducing the burden at the individual, workplace, health system levels, and society are provided.