The epidemiology of metatarsal fractures

Background: Metatarsal fractures are common injuries; however little has been written regarding their epidemiology in an adult population. Methods: All patients with metatarsal fractures during a 1-year time period were included in the study. Demographic information, grade, and mechanism of injury, associated injuries, and fracture location and type were recorded. Results: Three hundred and fifty-five patients with 411 metatarsal fractures were identified. The average age of the patients was 42 years. There was a higher proportion of women in the higher age groups, and the most common fracture was that of the fifth metatarsal. Multiple metatarsal fractures occurred in contiguous metatarsals, and 63% of third metatarsal fractures were associated with a fracture of either the second or fourth metatarsal. Conclusion: Knowledge of the epidemiology and injury patterns of metatarsal fractures can aid in the accurate identification and subsequent treatment of fractures of the metatarsals.