Epidemiological characteristics of Barton's fracture

Abstract

Objective To investigate the epidemiological features and variation trends of Barton's fracture. Methods Fracture patients treated between January 2003 and December 2012 at our hospital were identified through the picture archiving and communication system (PACS) and case reports checking system. This retrospective study included Barton's fracture. Data between 2003 and 2007 were classified as Group A, while data between 2008 and 2012 as Group B. Gender and age distribution were recorded and compared between the two groups. Results A total of 160 Barton's fractures were selected with 76 males (47.5%) and 84 females (52.5%), accounting for 1.392% (160/11, 496) of the distal ulna and radius fracture and 0.127% (160/126, 479) of human fractures. Age distribution showed the peak range of Barton's fracture was 51-60 years old (21.9%, 35/160). Proportion of palmar and dorsal types of Barton's fracture was 58.8% (94/160) and 41.2% (66/160) respectively. There were 67 cases and 93 cases in Groups A and B, accounting for 1.13% (67/5, 905) and 1.66% (93/5, 591) of the distal ulna and radius fracture and 0.103% (67/65, 267) and 0.152%(93/61, 212) of the human fracture over the same period (P 0.05). Cases of palmar and dorsal Barton's fracture in group A was 37 and 30, similar with 57 and 36 in Group B (P>0.05). Conclusions Barton's fracture is more prevalent in females than in males. Palmar type of Barton's fracture outnumbers dorsal type. There are no significant differences in gender and fracture type distribution between the two periods of 2003-2007 and 2008-2012. Key words: Radius fractures; Wrist injuries; Epidemiology