Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 5, 2026
Metacarpal Small Incision for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Published on: April 5, 2024
Incidence of metacarpal fractures in the US population
Michael N Nakashian1, Lauren Pointer, Brett D Owens
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT USA.
Background:
There are scarce data regarding the epidemiology of metacarpal fractures within the US population. The purpose of this study is to report the epidemiology of metacarpal fractures in the USA using the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System Database (NEISS).
Methods:
The NEISS database represents a national probability sample of approximately 100 hospitals in the USA and its territories. The database was queried for metacarpal fractures during the time period 2002-2006. US census data were used to calculate incidence rate (IR) for various demographic criteria.
Results:
A total of 4,718 metacarpal fractures were identified, representing approximately 160,790 metacarpal fractures. The calculated IR was 13.6 (95 % CI, 13.6-13.67) per 100,000 person-years. The highest IR occurred in the 10-19 age group (IR 38.8; 95 % CI, 38.6-38.9) followed by those 20-29 years of age (IR 28.4; 95 % CI, 28.3-28.5). Metacarpal fractures were found more commonly in males (IR 23; 95 % CI, 22.9-23.1) than females (IR 4.5; 95 % CI, 4.5-4.5), with an incidence rate ratio of 5.08. The most common mechanisms of injury were contact with a wall or door, and falls. The most common setting was in the home, followed by recreational locations.
Conclusions:
The estimated incidence of metacarpal fractures presenting for acute hospital care in the USA is 13.6 per 100,000 person-years. Males in the second and third decades of life sustain this injury most commonly. Metacarpal fractures occur frequently in the home or recreational setting, with contact force as the primary mechanism of injury.
More Related Videos
11:21Development of a Novel Internal Fixation Model for Rat Radial Fractures: Fracture Healing Assessment and Dorsal Root Ganglion Isolation
Published on: March 13, 2026
07:06Block Building Task Identifies Distinct Groups of Left/Right-hand Choice Patterns After Unilateral Peripheral Nerve Injury
Published on: March 21, 2025
Related Concept Videos
01:27Fractures: Bone Repair
Minor fractures with no bone displacement are treated by immobilizing the fractured bone using a cast or splint. However, in the case of fractures with displaced bones, the broken bones are repositioned before immobilization to ensure successful healing without deformation and loss of function. The realignment of fractured bone ends is performed through a process called reduction. If the...
01:24Flail Chest-I
Flail chest is a severe and potentially life-threatening condition characterized by the fracture of three or more adjacent ribs in multiple places. It is most commonly caused by direct impacts and trauma, such as motor vehicle accidents or injuries from a steering wheel impact. It can also occur due to falls in elderly individuals with osteoporosis, or assaults involving sharp objects.
Pathophysiology
The pathophysiology of flail chest is complex, involving fractures of...