Boxer's Fracture - Epidemiology

Epidemiology

Hand and wrist injuries are reported to account for fifteen to twenty percent of emergency room injuries. Boxer’s fractures represent a significant number of those injuries. Trends have been found in multiple studies, showing a positive relationship between boxer’s fractures from intentional closed fist injuries, and psychological disorders. Although males are nearly fifty percent more likely to sustain fracture from a punch mechanism than females, who account for just over ten percent; male punch injuries are correlated predominantly with social deprivation instead of psychiatric disorders like that of their female counterparts. Boxer's fractures represent over one half of all metacarpal fractures. Hand injuries of this sort are most prevalent among fifteen to thirty-five year-old males. The right hand is injured as frequently as the left. The fifth metacarpal is the most frequent reported fractured metacarpal. Seasonal variability in the incidence of hand fractures does not seem to have any relevance. Approximately 3.7 male hand injuries, per 1000, per year, and 1.3 female hand injuries, per 1000, per year, have been reported. Common mechanisms of injury are gender specific. Although the fiscal cost is not available, it can be asserted that the cost is reasonably significant per individual, depending on the cost of emergency care, immobilization, surgery, follow up doctors’ visits, etc. in addition to the fiscal impact from loss of and/or limited work abilities.