Anatomical Knowledge Gaps in the Management of Hand Injuries Among Accident and Emergency Doctors in Oyo State

Hand injuries represent a disproportionately large share of presentations to accident and emergency departments in Nigerian hospitals, including lacerations, tendon injuries, nerve lacerations, and metacarpal fractures. Appropriate initial management depends on the ability of the attending physician to accurately assess the function of individual digital flexor and extensor tendons, identify the location of digital nerves, and recognise signs of compartment syndrome based on hand anatomy. Deficiencies in applied hand anatomy contribute to under-triaging of significant injuries and delays in specialist referral. This study aims to evaluate anatomical knowledge gaps among accident and emergency doctors managing hand injuries at University College Hospital Ibadan and Adeoyo State Hospital Ibadan, Oyo State, South West Nigeria. Validated clinical vignette-based assessments incorporating hand anatomy diagrams and functional tests will be administered. Performance will be compared between registrars, medical officers, and senior house officers. Findings are expected to identify specific deficits in applied hand anatomy relevant to emergency care and support the design of a focused anatomy-based hand injury assessment workshop for A&E physicians in Oyo State.

Keywords: hand injuries, accident and emergency, anatomical knowledge, tendon injury, Oyo State