Buddy taping versus forearm cast and finger splint for fifth metacarpal neck (Boxer's) fractures
Conservative Therapy of Fifth Metacarpal Neck Fractures - a Prospective Randomized Study Comparing Functional Treatment With Reposition and Finger Splinting
NA · Medical University of Vienna · NCT06029374
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
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 100 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 70 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Medical University of Vienna (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Vienna) |
| Trial ID | NCT06029374 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
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.
Who should consider this trial
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.
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.
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 performed: 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.
Eligibility criteria
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 this trial is running
Vienna
- 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 participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions: Boxer's Fracture