Short Leg Walking Plaster Cast Versus Walking Foot Cast for Jones Fracture

Khyber Medical University Peshawar

Status: Completed

Conditions: Metatarsal Bone Fractures; Jones Syndrome

Treatments: Other: Walking Foot Plaster Cast; Other: Short Leg Walking Plaster Cast

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT06687668

KMU/DIR/CTU/2024/010

Details and patient eligibility

About

This study is an open-label, randomized controlled trial comparing the effectiveness of two plaster cast methods-Short Leg Walking Plaster Cast and Walking Foot Plaster Cast-for treating Jones fractures, a common fracture at the base of the fifth metatarsal in the foot. This trial will be conducted at Lady Reading Hospital Peshawar. The study will evaluate differences in fracture healing and functional outcomes between these two treatment approaches. Findings from this trial may guide more evidence-based treatment protocols for Jones fractures, potentially improving patient mobility and recovery without requiring surgical intervention.

Full description

Jones fractures represent 26.3% of fractures at the base of the fifth metatarsal and are commonly treated conservatively through various weight-bearing casts. The lack of consensus on the optimal casting method for Jones fractures necessitates further study, particularly given the absence of published guidelines. This trial, unique in its randomized and prospective approach within Pakistan, aims to compare Short Leg Walking Plaster Casts and Walking Foot Plaster Casts specifically for Jones fractures.

Patients meeting the inclusion criteria will be randomly assigned to one of the two treatment groups, with the primary endpoints being fracture healing (union) and functional outcomes at six weeks, assessed via radiographs and the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Score (AOFAS). This study seeks to produce robust evidence to inform treatment guidelines, allowing patients, especially in low- and middle-income settings, to continue daily activities with minimal disruption during recovery.

Enrollment: 122 patients

Sex: All

Ages: 18+ years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Both genders
• 18 years and above
• Jones fractures that are un-displaced or minimally displaced (less than 2 mm)
• Fractures presented within 7 days of injury

Exclusion criteria

• Significant foot swelling
• Open fractures
• Ipsilateral foot, ankle, or lower limb soft tissue pathology or fractures
• Pathological fractures

Trial design

Primary purpose: Treatment

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: None (Open label)

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122 participants in 2 patient groups

Short Leg Walking Plaster Cast

Experimental group

Description:

Participants in this group will receive a short leg walking plaster cast, extending from the metatarsal heads up to the mid-calf. This cast limits mobility at the fracture site while allowing partial weight-bearing as tolerated. Participants will use this cast for six weeks, with follow-up for fracture healing and functional outcome at the end of the treatment period.

Treatment:

Other: Short Leg Walking Plaster Cast

Walking Foot Plaster Cast

Active Comparator group

Description:

Participants in this group will receive a walking foot plaster cast, which provides support to the foot while allowing more flexibility around the ankle. This cast restricts movement to avoid further injury while enabling weight-bearing activities as tolerated. The cast will be worn for six weeks, with follow-up assessments for fracture healing and functional outcome after this period.

Treatment:

Other: Walking Foot Plaster Cast