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: The subjects were radiologically and clinically evaluated according to Mehlhorn and Lawrence-Botte classification, and AOFAS Midfoot score, respectively. RESULTS: fractures achieved the worst results. CONCLUSION: 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.