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% compared to 1%, p<0.001). Excess drinkers were on average 5.66 years younger than safe drinkers at the time of injury (44.57 years compared to 50.23 years, p<0.05).

People reporting alcohol excess who have sustained a fracture are more likely to be younger and suffer more severe fractures than those drinking within current guidelines. Opportune targetting of patients consuming excess alcohol should be targetted at problem drinkers sustaining a fracture.