Incidence of traumatic long-bone fractures requiring inhospital management: a prospective age- and gender-specific analysis in 4,890 fractures

Results During the study period 4,890 long-bone fractures were recorded. Overall incidence per 100,000/yr was 406 with 95% confidence interval (95%CI) of 395–417. The ageadjusted incidence <16 yrs (339; 95%CI 318–360) was lower than those ≥16 years (427; 95% CI: 414–440). Overall male incidence (337; 95%CI 322–355) was lower than female (476; 95%CI 459–493), but male:female ratio was 2:1 among those <50 years, and 1:3 in those ≥50 years. Upper limb fractures had an overall incidence of 159 (95%CI 152–166), whereas lower limb incidence was 247 (95%CI 238–256). Open fractures occurred in 3%, for an incidence of 13 (95%CI 11–15). Pediatric fractures were more often treated conservatively with only 8% requiring internal fixation, compared to 56% internal fixation in those ≥16 years. An increase in the use of angular stable plates occurred during the study period.