[Epidemiological investigation of adult metatarsal fractures].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate retrospectively the adult metatarsal fractures within last five years and analyze their epidemiological characteristics.

METHODS: The X-ray films taken from January 1, 2003 to December 31, 2007 at department of radiology of Hebei provincial orthopedic hospital were reviewed to screen and classify according to OTA fracture comprehensive classification method. The epidemiological characteristics of adult metatarsal fractures were summarized and analyzed.

RESULTS: A total of 1949 adult metatarsal fractures were included. The single and multiple types were 1465 and 484 respectively. The 31-50-yr age group was the largest one with 45.26% of the patients. The fifth metatarsal fracture was the most common metatarsal fracture accounting for 42.45% of the total; 58.37% of metatarsal fractures occurred in proximal metaphysis; 87.61% of multiple metatarsal fractures occurred in adjacent metatarsals; 81-A1 group fracture was the most common metatarsal fracture accounting for 35.42% of the total.

CONCLUSION: Epidemiological studies of metatarsal fracture offer aids in the diagnosis and treatment of metatarsal fractures.