Functional treatment of acute metatarsal fractures: a prospective randomised comparison of management in a cast versus elasticated support bandage

A randomised controlled trial was performed in 50 patients with acute isolated minimally displaced lesser metatarsal fractures in order to compare plaster immobilisation with elasticated support bandage treatment. Patients treated with elasticated support bandage had significantly higher AOFAS mid-foot scores at 3-months follow-up and complained of less pain throughout the treatment period. There was no difference between the two groups in time to independent mobility, mid-foot circumference, analgesic requirements and radiological union at 3 months. As plaster casts are associated with serious complications, which were encountered in these studies, we conclude that minimally displaced metatarsal fractures are better treated without a cast.