The incidence and aetiology of 6,857 phalangeal fractures of the hand have been reviewed in a series of 235,427 patients, looking for an age-specific vulnerability to fracture. We found sports to be the main cause of fracture in the 10-29 years age groups and accidental falls to be the leading cause in those aged 70 years or older. We made a new observation that the highest incidence occurs in the male 40-69 age group and machinery was the dominant cause of fracture in this group. Recognition of the frequency of industrial trauma is needed, and public expenditure should be invested in its prevention and treatment.