Epidemiology of distal radius fractures in a geographically defined adult population

Abstract

Distal radial fractures are the most common adult orthopaedic fracture. We sought to determine whether the incidence of this injury is changing and identify trends in its occurrence. We analysed data for all adult patients presenting to University Hospitals of Leicester with a distal radial fracture from 2007-2016. Incidence rates were calculated using United Kingdom population data. Poisson regression techniques were used to analyse weekly, seasonal and annual variation in fracture incidence. There was no significant change in average age or incidence of fracture. Increased incidence was associated with inclement weather conditions. Younger patients more commonly sustain fractures on weekends. We predict a 23% rise in the number of fractures in the United Kingdom in the next 20 years. The incidence of fracture does not appear to be changing, although the number of fractures is growing. Weekly and seasonal trends are apparent. Level of evidence: III.

Epidemiology, classification, treatment and mortality of distal radius fractures in adults: an observational study of 23,394 fractures from the national Swedish fracture register

“…The substantial increase in the number of fractures in post-menopausal women can explain why more than three out of four DRFs occured in women in our study population. The ratio between women and men of 78:22 found in this study is in accordance with the result of a Swedish regional study [28], while it is sligthy higher than that reported in a Swedish national study; 75:25 [11] and substantially higher than what a British regional study reported; 68:38 [3].…”

“…Retired persons are likely to make less difference between the weekend and the rest of the week with regard to both in-and outdoor activies, while people who study or are employed tend to do outdoor and leisure activities during the weekend. Other studies have also reported weekly variations in DRF frequency or incidence with an increase in younger adults over the weekend [3].…”

“…Distal radius fractures (DRFs) are the most common orthopaedic fractures in the western world [1]. The distribution of DRFs in the general population is bimodal with incidence peaks in young men and in postmenopausal women [1][2][3][4]. DRFs in younger patients with good bone stock are most commonly associated with high-energy trauma [5], while low-energy trauma, e.g.…”

“…fall from a standing position, is the most likely mechanism of injury in older patients due to underlying osteopenia/osteoporosis [6,7]. Previous populationspecific studies have reported both seasonal and weekly variations in the incidence of DRFs [3,[8][9][10].…”

Incidence of distal radius fracture in a general population in southern Sweden in 2016 compared with 2001

“…In previous studies conducted in Europe, North America, and Asia, the overall incidence rates of distal radius fracture have been shown to increase over time [6][7][8]. Other more recent studies have shown no change, or even a decrease, in the incidence [9][10][11]. During the last decade, programs for screening and treating osteoporosis have been implemented in health care, potentially affecting the incidence of distal radius fracture.…”