Overall, participants achieved an outcome equivalent to the most widely implanted UKA in the United Kingdom. Sub-group analysis suggests that more active patients may benefit from robotic-arm- assisted surgery. Long term follow-up is required to evaluate differences in survivorship.

Background Fifth metacarpal fractures are common and comprise a significant proportion of traditional orthopaedic fracture clinic workload. We reviewed the functional outcome and the satisfaction of patients managed with a new protocol that promoted Bself-care^and resulted in the discharge of most of these patients from the emergency department with no further follow-up. Methods A retrospective study was performed of patients discharged with a fifth metacarpal fracture between April 2012 to October 2012. A postal questionnaire was sent to each patient, followed by a telephone call. Patient-reported outcome measures (EQ-5D, QuickDASH) and patient satisfaction were assessed. Of the 167 patients eligible for the study, 5 were excluded. Of the remaining 162, 64 were uncontactable or declined to participate. The mean follow-up time was 21.6 months (SD 1.9, range 18.1 to 24.7). Results The median EQ-5D health index score was 0.87 (IQR 0.74 to 1.00), and the median QuickDASH score was 2.3 (IQR 0 to 6.8). Seventy-nine (80.6 %) patients were satisfied with the outcome of their injury, while 83 (84.9 %) reported being satisfied with the process. There was no difference between those with a fracture or those without a fracture in EQ-5D (p=0.307) or QuickDASH (p=0.820).Conclusion Fifth metacarpal fractures can be managed effectively through an Emergency Department protocol without any formal orthopaedic follow-up. This pathway lead to excellent patient-reported outcome measures and patient satisfaction. This protocol has reduced unnecessary hospital attendances for patients and increased the time available for clinicians to deal with more challenging injuries.

BackgroundMallet finger injuries are usually successfully treated non-operatively with a splint. Most patients are reviewed at least twice in a clinic after the initial presentation in A&E. A new protocol promoting “self-care” was introduced at our institution. Patients were provided with structured verbal and written information, and given access to a telephone helpline.MethodsA prospective electronic patient record was used to identify all patients who presented to the emergency department with a mallet finger with a minimum six month follow-up. A satisfaction and patient reported outcome measure was administered via a postal questionnaire. The response rate was 36/47 (77%).ResultsThe median QuickDASH score was 2.3 (IQR 0 to 4.6). All patients were satisfied with the treatment plan provided. Nine used the helpline and all were satisfied with information given. Although 13 patients reported some extensor lag, or bump, they had no functional limitation. Seven patients were reviewed by the general practitioner or other clinicians during their treatment period for issues such a skin care, splint size changes or sickness certification. Five were subsequently reviewed at the end of their treatment period in a clinic at their request, or their general practitioner, but did not require further surgical intervention.ConclusionsSelf-care for mallet finger injuries, with adequate patient information and telephone back-up, leads to acceptable functional results and satisfaction.Level of evidence: III

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