Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the epidemiology of isolated metatarsal fractures in an adult population over a 5-year period at a level-1 trauma centre. Consequently, we are still missing valid epidemiological data of a well-characterized cohort for one of the most common fractures in adulthood. The significance of previous epidemiological studies on metatarsal fractures is limited as they either focused on specific entities (fractures to the base of the fifth metatarsal or dancer’s fractures), evaluated subpopulations only (elderly Caucasian women or children), or included heterogeneous fracture aetiologies (including concomitant injuries/stress fractures). Despite their frequency, epidemiological data on metatarsal fractures are rare, as most recent literature focusses on treatment recommendations, especially for the base of the fifth metatarsal and lacks epidemiological data. Furthermore, they account for up to 88.5% of all fractures to the foot. Metatarsal fractures belong to the ten most common fractures with a prevalence of 3.2–6.8% of all fractures with an annual incidence of 67–75.4/100.000 per year. Multiple metatarsal fractures were homogeneously distributed between the different metatarsals with distinct age-dependent gender differences. Single metatarsal fractures predominantly occurred at the fifth metatarsal bone and showed a seasonal, gender and age dependency. Multiple metatarsal fractures occurred evenly throughout all metatarsals but revealed a focus on female population with no seasonal differences. 43.0 ± 18.1 years p < 0.001) and the injury resulted significantly more often from a high-energy trauma (6.7% vs. Patients suffering multiple metatarsal fractures were significantly older (51.6 ± 21.2 vs. Single metatarsal fractures occurred predominantly at the fifth metatarsal bone (81.3%), their frequency decreased with increasing age, with a seasonal peak during the summer. 83.3% suffered an isolated, 16.7% multiple metatarsal fractures. The patients’ mean age was 44.5 ± 18.9 years, 50.6% were female. Out of 3259 patients, 642 patients met the inclusion criteria and were included for the analysis. Data collection included general demographics, mechanism of injury, season of the trauma and fracture details. Stress fractures, injuries affecting Lisfranc joint stability, and concomitant injuries to other regions than the metatarsals were excluded. Eligible were all patients with acute isolated metatarsal fractures over the age of 18 years with radiographs in two planes available. Radiological and clinical databases were searched for a five-year period. The aim of the study was to assess the epidemiology of isolated metatarsal fractures in an adult population at a level-1 trauma centre. Although metatarsal fractures are common, the significance of previous epidemiologic studies is limited to specific fracture entities, subpopulations, or heterogeneous fracture aetiologies.
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