Upper limb fractures: contrasting patterns in Transkei and England.

The incidence of various fractures resulting from falls onto the outstretched hand in a Transkeian population was compared to that in a British population. Large differences were found, fractures of the distal humerus being much more common in Transkei, as were 'juvenile Colles' ' fractures. Fractures of the clavicle and radial head were correspondingly less common and fractures of the scaphoid were not seen in Transkei. Possible reasons for these differences are discussed.