Short term clinical and patient reported outcomes following Virtual Fracture Clinic management of fifth metatarsal fractures.

INTRODUCTION: Fracture clinics are experiencing increased referrals and decreased capacity. Virtual fracture clinics (VFC) are an efficient, safe, and cost-effective solution for specified injury presentations. There is currently a lack of evidence to support the use of a VFC model in the management of 5th metatarsal base fractures. This study aims to assess clinical outcomes and patient satisfaction with the management of 5th metatarsal base fractures in VFC. We hypothesise that it is both safe and cost effectiveness. METHODS: Patients presenting to VFC at our major trauma centre with a 5th metatarsal base fracture, between January 2019 and December 2019, were included. Patient demographics, clinic appointments, complication and operative rates were analysed. Patients received standardised VFC treatment; walker boot/full weight bearing, rehabilitation information and instructions to contact VFC if symptoms of pain persist after 4 months. Minimum follow-up was one year; Manchester-Oxford Foot Questionnaires (MOXFQ) were distributed. A basic cost analysis was performed. RESULTS: 126 patients met inclusion criteria. Mean age was 41.6 years (18-92). Average time from ED attendance to VFC review was 2 days (1 - 5). Fractures were classified according to the Lawrence and Botte Classification with 104 (82%) zone 1 fractures, 15 (12%) zone 2 fractures and 7 (6%) zone 3 fractures. At VFC, 125/126 were discharged. 12 patients (9.5%) arranged further follow-up after initial discharge; pain the reason in all cases. There was 1 non-union during the study period. Average MOXFQ score post 1 year was 0.4/64, with only 11 patients scoring more than 0. In total, 248 face-to-face clinic visits were saved. CONCLUSION: Our experience demonstrates that the management of 5th metatarsal base fractures in the VFC setting, with a well-defined protocol, can prove safe, efficient, cost effective and yield good short term clinical outcomes.

Bullying in trauma and orthopaedics: a survey of staff in orthopaedic departments in the UK.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: An orthopaedic department requires good teamwork and communication to function. This is undermined by bullying and harassment, which may affect the victim's health and career. METHODS: A 26-item questionnaire was sent to all delegates who registered for a free orthopaedic webinar teaching series via email and social media. This study includes the responses from all those who had worked in a UK orthopaedic department. RESULTS: There were 168 respondents from varying backgrounds; 17.9% had experienced bullying or harassment in their orthopaedic department, while 36.3% had witnessed it. Women and people from ethnic minority backgrounds suffered 10.2% and 6.9% higher rates of bullying than their male or white counterparts respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The results demonstrate that despite attempts to reduce bullying in orthopaedics, it remains prevalent, and particularly affects women and those from ethnic minority backgrounds. Orthopaedic departments must adapt to reflect changes in society.