The purpose of this prospective randomized controlled clinical trial is to evaluate if functional treatment leads to a better functional outcome than a forearm cast and a finger splint in patients with fifth metacarpal neck fracture.
This study represents a prospective randomized clinical trial comparing two different conservative treatment options in patients with fifth metacarpal neck fracture. Patients meeting the inclusion criteria will be enrolled in the present study provided they give their consent. Informed written consent will be obtained. Randomization will be performed according to the CONSORT Guidelines of Prospective Randomized Trials using the software "Randomizer" by the Medical University of Graz. Patients allocated to the control group will receive a forearm cast with a finger splint in terms of an immobilizing treatment, while patients in the study group will receive buddy taping for fingers IV and V and an elastic bandage in terms of a functional treatment. Both groups will receive the allocated bandage or splint for 4 weeks. The clinical outcome will be assessed 12 weeks after trauma.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
100
Patients receiving buddy taping for fingers IV and V and an elastic bandage in terms of a functional treatment. Duration of bandage treatment is determined with 4 weeks.
Patients receiving reduction of fractured finger and subsequent customization of a forearm cast with a finger splint. Duration of cast treatment is determined with 4 weeks.
Medical University of Vienna - Department of Orthopedics and Trauma-Surgery
Vienna, Austria
RECRUITINGBrief Michigan-Hand-Outcome-Questionnaire
patient-based standardised questionnaire (12 items, range 0-100, 100=ideal function, 0=poorest function)
Time frame: at 12 weeks
Loss/Gain of Reduction
changes in palmar angulation of the fracture at end of treatment, compared to first x-ray (in degrees)
Time frame: at 12 weeks
Treatment Failure
Occurrence of indication for surgery (malrotation, palmar angulation \>50°) after primary reposition
Time frame: at 1, 2, 4 and 12 weeks
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