Occupational and non occupational metacarpal bone fractures at the Mansoura University Emergency Hospital: A comparative study.

INTRODUCTION: Metacarpal fractures of the hand occur in active and working population.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this article is to compare between occupational and non occupational metacarpal fractures.

METHODS: This is a cross-sectional comparative study with prospective components among patients with metacarpal fractures admitted to the Mansoura University Emergency Hospital in a 6-month period. Data were collected using a questionnaire that included personal and occupational histories and accident analysis. Clinical and radiological assessment of healing was done by DASH score and handgrip strength. Disability was estimated according to the Egyptian Labour Law.

RESULTS: Of 149 patients, 56.4% and 43.6% were occupational and non occupational metacarpal fractures, respectively. The independent predictors of occupational metacarpal fracture are less than secondary education (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 4.2 (2-8.4)), being married (AOR = 4.2 (2.1-8.5)), and being a male (AOR = 7 (2.5-20)).

CONCLUSIONS: Lower education, being married, and being a male are risk factors of occupational metacarpal fractures. Surgery showed better hand function than conservative management.