In this study, the authors review the incidence and aetiology of 3858 metacarpal fractures in a series of 235.427 patients across the life-span. They found men aged 10-29 to have the highest incidence rates for metacarpal fractures (2.5 per cent). Accidental fall was the dominant cause of these fractures in the age group 9 years or less (38.7 per cent) and in the groups 50 years and older. The data clearly show transport accidents and in particular bicycle accidents to be major determinants in all age groups. Bicycle accidents (36.2%) and moped accidents (26.4%) accounted for more than half of all transport accidents. It is concluded that recognition of the high frequency of metacarpal fractures among men aged 10-29 years should be given and public expenditure should be invested in the development and recommendation of proper safety gear, such as special gloves.
Abstract