A comparison of the functional and radiological results of Paris plaster cast and ulnar gutter splint in the conservative treatment of fractures of the fifth metacarpal

AimIn the treatment protocol of fractures of the fifth metacarpal, closed reduction and immobilization is generally recommended. This study aimed to compare the radiological and functional results of short-arm plaster cast and a forearm U-splint.Patients and methodsBetween January 2011 and June 2012, the study comprised a total of 122 cases with 64 (52.4 %) in the cast group and 58 (47.6 %) in the splint group. The cases were 92 (75.4 %) males and 30 (24.6 %) females with a mean age of 30.56 ± 12.27 years (range 10–66 years). Two groups were formed according to the surgical treatment plans of the two surgeons who were to follow up the patients.ResultsNo statistically significant difference was found between the groups in terms of age, duration of the cast or splint and follow-up period (p > 0.05). The grip strength of Group A was determined as 90.38 ± 1.77 % of the healthy side and Group B as 90.58 ± 1.65 %. No statistically significant difference was seen between the groups in respect of grip strength (p > 0.05). The degree of dorsal angulation pre-application, post-application and after removal of the groups showed no statistically significant difference between the groups (p > 0.05).ConclusionNo superiority was seen in the clinical and radiological results of the two different treatment protocols applied to fractures of the fifth metacarpal. However, when the complications created by a plaster cast and pressure wounds are taken into consideration, the application of a short-arm U-splint can be said to be a better option.