Epidemiology of Distal Forearm Fracture: A Population-Based Study of 5426 Fractures

BACKGROUND: Despite intensive research into the epidemiology of adult distal forearm fractures, the literature is limited. This study aimed to provide a full overview of adult distal forearm fracture epidemiology, including incidence, fracture classification, mode of injury, and trauma mechanism in patients sustaining a distal forearm fracture, based on an accurate at-risk population with manually validated data leading to a high quality in data.

METHODS: This was a population-based cohort study with a manual review of X-rays and charts. The primary outcome measure was the incidence of adult distal forearm fractures. The study was based on an average at-risk population of 522 607 citizens. A total of 5426 adult distal forearm fractures were included during the study period. Females accounted for 4199 (77%) and males accounted for 1227 (23%) of fractures.

RESULTS: The overall incidence of adult distal forearm fractures was 207.7/100 000/year. Female incidence was 323.4/100 000/year, and male incidence was 93.3/100 000/year. A marked increase in incidence with increasing age was observed for females after 50 years of age. The incidence of distal radius fractures was 203.0/100 000/year, and the incidence of isolated ulna fractures was 3.8/100 000/year. The most common fracture type was an extra-articular AO type 2R3A (69%), and the most common mode of injury was a fall from own height (76%). A small non-trending year-to-year variation was observed during the 5-year study period.

CONCLUSION: Results show that adult distal forearm fractures are very common in women after the postmenopausal period. The overall incidence of adult distal forearm fractures was 207.8/100 000/year. Female incidence was 323.4/100 000/year.