To compare and analyze the epidemiological features of Colles fractures in the elderly between Northern and Eastern areas of China from January 2010 to December 2011.

Data of Colles fractures treated between January 2010 to December 2011 in 39 hospitals in northern and eastern China were collected through the PACS system and case reports checking system. Data of 18 hospitals in northern China were classified as group northern, while data of 21 hospitals in eastern China were classified as group eastern. Gender, age and side between two groups were compared.

A total of 2,610 Colles fractures in the elderly were divided into group northern (1,777 cases) and group eastern (833 cases). There were 466 males (17.85%) and 2,144 females (82.15%), with a male/female ratio of 1:4.60 and a median age of 70 years. Left fractures (1,372 cases, 52.57%) were more than the right side (1,238 cases, 47.43%). There were 349 males and 1,428 females in group northern (M/F=1:4.09), and 117 males and 716 females in group eastern (M/F=1:6.12, χ²=12.102, P=0.001). The median age of the two groups were 69 years and 71 years, respectively, with a statistically significant difference (Z=-4.372, P<0.001). The predominant age group in two groups was from 60 to 65 years, accounting for 35.34% (628/1,777) and 29.05% (242/833), respectively. The age distribution had significant differences in patients aged 60-65 years, 81-85 years and ≥86 years between the two groups (χ²=10.094, χ²=5.028, χ²=24.885, P<0.05). There were no significant differences of other age groups between group northern and group eastern. There were more left fractures than right side in group northern and group eastern.

Colles fractures in elderly were most seen in females and left side. The predominant age group was from 60 to 65 years, accounting for about 1/3 of all injuries. Compared with eastern China, the patients were younger. The male/female ratio and proportion of 60 to 65 years were higher, while the proportion of 81-85 years and ≥86 years was lower.