Buddy taping versus forearm cast and finger splint for fifth metacarpal neck (Boxer's) fractures
Official title: Conservative Therapy of Fifth Metacarpal Neck Fractures - a Prospective Randomized Study Comparing Functional Treatment With Reposition and Finger Splinting
Run by Medical University of Vienna · NCT06029374 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study will try buddy taping with an elastic bandage versus a forearm cast and finger splint to see which helps adults with Boxer's fractures get back better hand function.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 70 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 100 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Medical University of Vienna Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Vienna) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | October 1, 2023 |
| Main results expected | August 2027 |
| Study ends | February 2028 |
| Registry record updated | June 18, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT06029374 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults aged 18–70 with an isolated fifth metacarpal neck fracture who can consent and present within seven days of injury are the intended participants.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with >50° palmar angulation, intraarticular or compound fractures, multiple hand injuries, pathologic fractures, polytrauma, pregnancy, or delayed presentation (>7 days) are unlikely to benefit from the conservative options tested here.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This is a prospective, randomized controlled trial at the Medical University of Vienna comparing two conservative treatments for isolated fifth metacarpal neck fractures. Eligible adults (18–70 years) who consent are randomized using the Randomizer software following CONSORT principles. The control group receives a forearm cast plus a finger splint while the study group receives buddy taping of the fourth and fifth fingers with an elastic bandage, both applied for four weeks. Clinical outcomes are measured 12 weeks after the injury to compare functional recovery between treatments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the functional (buddy taping) approach could allow quicker return of hand function with less immobilization and easier daily care.
How similar studies have gone: Previous randomized and comparative studies of stable fifth metacarpal neck fractures have generally found functional treatments like buddy taping provide outcomes comparable to casting for many patients.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Fifth Metacarpal Neck Fractures * Patient age between 18 and 70 years Exclusion Criteria: * Palmar angulation \>50° in first lateral x-ray * Pathologic fracture * Intraarticular fracture * Patients unable to consent * Polytraumatized patients * Pregnancy * Compound fractures * Multiple hand injuries * Patients initially presenting more than 7 days after injury
Where it's running
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Medical University of Vienna - Department of Orthopedics and Trauma-Surgery
Vienna, Austria Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Paul L Hoppe, M.D.
- Email: paul.hoppe@meduniwien.ac.at
- Phone: 0043 1 40400 59160
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.