Perfil epidemiológico das vítimas de lesões autoinfligidas das mãos contra superfícies de vidro

Abstract

The self-inflicted lesions of the hands against glass surfaces are violent events, little discussed in the national and international literature. The objective of this study was to establish the profile of these cases treated at an emergency hospital in Belo Horizonte (MG). The medical records of patients treated between April 2015 and March 2016 were studied, evaluating sociodemographic and clinical variables. Eighteen patients were affected by self-inflict lesions of the hands, caused by punching glass. The most affected individuals are males, with an average age of 30 years, active in the labor market. Civil construction was the most frequent economic branch of activity of patients. The dominant hand was affected in 83.3% of the cases. The most frequent cause of self-inflicted injuries was family conflicts (61%). Alcohol consumption was present in 44% of the cases. The anterior compartment was reached in 77.8% of the patients, with involvement of flexor tendons and nerves median and ulnar. It is concluded that the self-inflicted lesions of the hands against glass surfaces are potentially serious lesions that negatively impact the quality of life of the patient and represent high costs for the social security system.