The laterality of fractures and dislocations with respect to handedness

The left/right frequency of fractures and dislocations with respect to handedness was investigated in 2,716 patients with isolated fractures or dislocations of the appendicular skeleton. For both left- and right-handed patients, upper limb fractures proximal to the wrist occurred more frequently on the left: fractures distal to the wrist, however, occurred more frequently on the patient's dominant side. No lateral tendencies were observed for lower limb injuries. A combination of endogenous and exogenous forces probably account for these findings. Awareness of these tendencies may lead to improved trauma management.