BOOZING AND BONES: PATIENTS SELF REPORTING EXCESS ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION SUSTAIN MORE SEVERE FRACTURES AT A YOUNGER AGE

Alcohol remains a significant cause of disease in the UK population. Yet the effect of alcohol on fractures remains conflicting. We present a prospective analysis of self-reported alcohol consumption and the epidemiology of fractures sustained.1950 patients over 13 years of age were prospectively interviewed after sustaining a fracture with basic epidemiological data, fracture data and average alcohol consumption recorded.1621 (83%) of interviewees provided information on alcohol consumption. 10% admitted to drinking in excess of Scottish Health guidelines. 18.1% of males drunk to excess, compared to 4.7% of females (p<0.001). The five most frequent fractures were distal radius (20%), metacarpals (12%), ankle fractures (12%), neck of femur (10%), phallanges (10%). 48% of fractures were falls from standing height. Excess drinkers were more likely to sustain an AO grade C fractures than safe drinkers (18.1% compared to 11.2%, p<0.05). Excess drinkers sustained more open fractures than safe drinkers (5% comp...