Incidence of metacarpal fractures in U.S. soldiers stationed in South Korea.

The Korean War occupies a unique time in our nation's history. Because of the fragile relationship between the Koreas, U.S. forces stationed in Korea live within miles of a potential rival, necessitating strict discipline and courtesy by U.S. Soldiers. However, despite the standards and regulations, Soldiers are not immune to injury and hand injuries are among the most common afflictions obtained. Thus, 64 patients seen by occupational therapy for treatment of metacarpal fractures participated in a retrospective study regarding the circumstances surrounding the injury. The findings revealed that single males, aged 21-25 years, on their first assignment are most at risk for injury. The most prevalent method of injury was from striking a person or object out of anger. The results include several findings that can be used to implement injury prevention initiatives, thus avoiding the loss of work time and productivity associated with the healing and rehabilitation period.