Metacarpal and phalangeal fractures are among the most common skeletal injuries in the general population, accounting for 10% of all fractures and 1% of emergency department visits in the United States. Nearly half, 41%, of all injuries to the hand warranting an emergency room or urgent care facility visit involve a fracture to the metacarpal or phalanx. These injuries occur most commonly in young adult men and nearly a quarter, 22.4%, are sustained during athletic events.
Metacarpal fractures sustained from a direct blow are the most commonly occurring fracture (2 in 3) in the young male athlete population, especially those participating in contact sports such as football, lacrosse, or hockey. Fifty percent of all hand fractures occur during football events.
-Source: Clinics in Sports Medicine, January 2015
