Virtual fracture clinic management of fifth metatarsal, including Jones’, fractures is safe and cost-effective

Abstract Virtual clinics have been shown to be safe and cost-effective in many specialties, yet barriers exist to their implementation in orthopaedics. The aims of this study were to look at whether the management of 5th metatarsal fractures using a virtual fracture clinic model is safe, cost effective and avoids adverse outcomes whilst being acceptable to patients using the service. All patients with a fifth metatarsal fracture between September 2013 and September 2015 had a standardised management plan initiated (blackboot, full weightbearing) in the emergency department (ED). 663 patients met inclusion criteria, 251 (37.5%) Type 1, 111 (17%) Type 2 (Jones’), 281 (42%) Type 3 or distal, 20 (3%) were misdiagnosed, and 4 (0.5%) patient’s images were unavailable. 499 (75%) patients were discharged immediately, 47 (7%) had further imaging, 114 (17%) had either ESP or consultant clinic review, and 3 (