Epidemiology
Acute long bone fractures primarily result from significant trauma. Motor vehicle accidents, sports injury, falls, and assaults are among the most common causes of these injuries. Previous data for all types of fractures have shown an annual incidence of 21 fractures per 1000 people per year in the US, with a higher incidence in males than in females.[3] Similar data have been reported for Norway and the UK.[3] As implementation of orthopedic implants has progressed, periprosthetic fracture rates have similarly risen. As more women have become more active in sports, their incidence of sports-related fractures has also increased.
The tibia is the most frequently fractured long bone in humans, and may account for 6.6% of all fractures.[3] Femoral shaft fractures may account for 4.5% of all fractures, distal radial fractures for 3.9%, distal femoral fractures 2%, and humeral shaft fractures 1.5%. In a prospective study of the incidence of fractures in Scotland, femoral shaft fractures were found to be relatively uncommon, with a reported incidence of approximately 1 to 4 fractures per 10,000 people per year.[17] Acute femoral shaft fractures are more common among young males, and women over the age of 65 years.[17]
As global standards of living and lifespan have increased, so too have osteoporotic fractures and fractures associated with chronic disease. In patients with chronic renal failure, risk factors for fracture include female sex, advanced age, and diabetes, whereas black people and those with increased BMI seemed to be protected.[18] Among dialysis patients, long bone fracture is associated with increased risk of stroke, pulmonary embolism, congestive heart failure, pneumonia, and septicemia.[18][19]
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