What is the impact of a discharge pathway without orthopaedic referral on patient outcomes and healthcare resource utilisation in cases of zone 1 undisplaced base of 5th metatarsal fractures and providing a patient initiated follow up?
There's a risk of nonunion, malunion, prolonged pain with ambulation, poor return to activity without acute management of rest and limited activity. Follow up is useful for evaluation of fracture healing and if further management modifications are needed.