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

Aim: In 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 methods: Between 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. Results: No 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). Conclusion: No 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. © 2013, Springer-Verlag France.