The epidemiology of metatarsal fractures.
BACKGROUND
Metatarsal fractures are common injuries; however little has been written regarding their epidemiology in an adult population.


METHODS
All patients with metatarsal fractures during a 1-year time period were included in the study. Demographic information, grade, and mechanism of injury, associated injuries, and fracture location and type were recorded.


RESULTS
Three hundred and fifty-five patients with 411 metatarsal fractures were identified. The average age of the patients was 42 years. There was a higher proportion of women in the higher age groups, and the most common fracture was that of the fifth metatarsal. Multiple metatarsal fractures occurred in contiguous metatarsals, and 63% of third metatarsal fractures were associated with a fracture of either the second or fourth metatarsal.


CONCLUSIONS
Knowledge of the epidemiology and injury patterns of metatarsal fractures can aid in the accurate identification and subsequent treatment of fractures of the metatarsals.
Hamilton Health Sciences, General Division, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada L8L2X2. petrisor@hhsc.ca
Brad A
BA
Petrisor
Ingri
I
Ekrol
Charles
C
Court-Brown
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000145:classification / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008682:Metatarsal Bones / Q000293:injuries*; D008875:Middle Aged; D017678:Sex Distribution; D006113:United Kingdom / Q000453:epidemiology