title: [Measurement of the results of functional treatment of metatarsal fractures using the AOFAS scale and the duration of work incapacity].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To demonstrate the effectiveness of functional treatment for the fractures of the metatarsal, which consisted of immediate or early weight bearing without immobilisation.
  
  
  METHODS
  We prospectively studied 276 patients with simple or complex fractures of the metatarsal, treated with a functional method which consisted of immediate (before the 3(rd) day since the fracture) or early (between 3(rd) and 21(st) day) effective weight bearing. Inclusion criteria were patients aged 16-65, both sexes, diagnosed with isolated or multiple, closed or opened type I metatarsal fractures who did weight bearing exercises during the first 21 days. We analysed the effects of the steroid injection proposed for this treatment in the focus of the fracture, the days of weight bearing, rehabilitation and number of metatarsal fractures. Results were evaluated using AOFAS (American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society) scores, days of work incapacity and complications of the treatment.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The AOFAS score for patients treated functionally was excellent and we found few complications with it.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The functional method is based on the function of ligaments and muscles of the forefoot and the aid of a rigid-soled shoe which allows early weight-bearing to avoid secondary displacement of the fractures. The results show that immediate weight bearing provides better results than delayed bearing. Injection of steroid does not appear to have any benefit.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  We propose the functional method for all closed displaced or non-displaced metatarsal fractures, except for the displaced fractures on the base of the fifth metatarsal.
authors.affiliation: Servicio de Cirugía Ortopédica y Traumatología, Hospital FREMAP, Sevilla, España. dr.iubedap@gmail.com
authors.forename: I
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Ubeda Pérez de Heredia
authors.forename: J I
authors.initials: JI
authors.lastname: Martínez de Renobales
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: García Díaz
authors.forename: F J
authors.initials: FJ
authors.lastname: Otaño Aranguren
authors.forename: I
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Sánchez Zapirain
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007267:Injections; D008297:Male; D008682:Metatarsal Bones / Q000293:injuries*; D008875:Middle Aged; D063868:Patient Outcome Assessment; D012775:Shoes; D018582:Sick Leave / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D013256:Steroids / Q000008:administration & dosage; D013997:Time Factors; D016474:Weight-Bearing; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D013256:Steroids