Martínez-Catalán N, Pajares S, Llanos L, et al. - In this study, functional outcomes of buddy taping were compared with reduction and cast immobilization in patients with fifth metacarpal neck fractures. Researchers randomized adult patients with acute fifth metacarpal neck fractures with less than 70º volar angulation and without rotational deformity to be treated either with buddy taping or a cast after closed reduction. The primary endpoint included the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) questionnaire score at 9 weeks. Secondary endpoints enrolled the DASH score at 3 weeks and 1 year, range of motion of the metacarpophalangeal joint, pain, grip strength, return to work, radiographic angulation, and complication rate. A total of 72 patients were included in the study between August 2016 and January 2018. The study found no advantage to reduction and orthosis immobilization of fifth metacarpal neck fractures with an initial angulation less than 70°. It was shown that the use of buddy taping and early mobilization had good clinical results as well as a significant improvement in time lost from work.