[Epidemiology and economic implications of fractures of proximal femur, proximal humerus, distal radius and fracture-dislocation of ankle].

The authors analyze the results of their long-term follow-up of basic epidemiological characteristics in fractures of proximal humerus (1,464 patients), distal radius (2,514 patients), proximal femur (3,340 patients) and fracture-dislocation of the ankle (1 195 patients). In fractures of the proximal femur, the average age was 78 years; 71.6 years in men and 80.3 years in women; male-female ratio was 27:73. In fractures of the proximal humerus, the average age was 67 years; 58.8 years in men and 71.2 years in women; male-female ratio was 30:70. In fractures of the distal radius, the average age was 59 years; 45.8 years in men and 64.7 years in women; male-female ratio was 29:71. In fracture-dislocation of the ankle the average age was 49 years; 43.4 years in men and 54.7 years in women; male-female ratio was 50:50. Until 5th decade men had higher representation in all groups of fractures, starting from 6th decade the ratio changed. Introduction of new implants (locking plate, new generation of nails) for fractures of the distal radius and proximal humerus increased significantly the percentage of patients operated on.