J Korean Med Sci.  2018 Feb;33(7):e48. 10.3346/jkms.2018.33.e48.

Incidence and Seasonal Variation of Distal Radius Fractures in Korea: a Population-based Study

• Jo YH
• Lee BG
• Kim HS
• Kim JH
• Lee CH
• Kim SJ
• Choi WS
• Lee JH
• Lee KH

• KMID: 2402994
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3346/jkms.2018.33.e48

Abstract

BACKGROUND
The present study aimed to investigate the incidence and seasonal variation of distal radius fractures (DRFs) in Korea.
METHODS
We analyzed a nationwide database acquired from the Korean Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service from 2011 to 2015. We used International Classification of Diseases, 10th revision codes and procedure codes to identify patients of all ages with newly diagnosed DRFs.
RESULTS
An average of about 130,000 DRFs occurred annually in Korea. The incidence of DRF, by age group, was highest in the 10 to 14-year-old age group for males and the highest in the 70s age group for females, with a rapid increase of incidence after 50 years. The peak incidence of DRF occurred during winter; however, the incidence greatly varied annually when compared with that of other seasons. The incidence of DRFs during the winter season was correlated with the average temperature.
CONCLUSION
The annual incidence of DRF was 130,000 in Korea. The incidence increased under an intense cold surge during winter. Active preventive measures are recommended especially in women exceeding 50 years considering the higher incidence in this age group.

Keyword

Distal Radius Fracture; Epidemiology; Incidence; Seasonal Variation

MeSH Terms

Adolescent
Epidemiology
Female
Humans
Incidence*
Insurance, Health
International Classification of Diseases
Korea*
Male
Radius Fractures*
Radius*
Seasons*