Early radiographic and clinical outcomes of minimally displaced proximal fifth metatarsal fractures: cast vs functional bandage.

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this non-randomized retrospective study was to investigate outcomes of minimally displaced, proximal 5MTB fractures, treated by a below-knee walking cast or a functional elasticated bandage with a support of a flat hard-soled shoe.

METHODS

A consecutive patient series was divided into two groups: the cast group (CG) and the functional group (FG). The subjects were radiologically and clinically evaluated according to Mehlhorn and Lawrence-Botte classification, and AOFAS Midfoot score, respectively.

RESULTS

154 patients were followed up for a median of 15 months (range 12-24). There was no significant difference (p > 0.05) among the outcomes of each fracture pattern regarding the treatment choice. However, an earlier return to sports was noted in the FG, while Type-3 fractures achieved the worst results.

CONCLUSION

Type-1 and 2 minimally displaced 5MTB proximal fractures can be successfully treated conservatively without weight-bearing restriction and without benefit of a cast with respect to a functional elasticated bandage.

LEVEL OF CLINICAL EVIDENCE: level III retrospective comparative study.