Epidemiology of calcaneal fractures in Finland.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to assess the nationwide incidence (per 100,000 person-years) of operative treatment and hospitalization due to calcaneal fractures (CF) in Finland.

METHODS: The study was based on the Finnish National Hospital Discharge Register. All patients aged 18-years or older admitted to Finnish hospitals for primary treatment of CF in 1987-2012 were included.

RESULTS: During the 26-year study period 5977 patients were hospitalized with main or secondary diagnosis of a CF. The incidence of hospitalization due to CF remained relatively stable: (12.5)/100,000 in men and 3.9/100,000 in women. The men were younger (median 43 years) than the women (median 61 years).

CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of the hospitalization due to CF in Finland has remained at steady level during the past 26 years. The incidence of CF is three times higher in men. In 2012 22% of the fractures were operatively treated.