Evaluating the Effectiveness of Virtual Fracture Clinics in Managing Toe Fractures: Patient Demographics and Outcomes.

Abstract

Background Virtual fracture clinics (VFCs) offer a remote alternative to traditional fracture clinics, potentially reducing the burden on in-person services. This is particularly relevant for fractures that typically do not require follow-up, such as toe fractures, which are commonly managed conservatively. Methods This study evaluated the effectiveness of VFCs in managing toe fractures. Patients treated conservatively were identified using HIVE software, and their outcomes were assessed via a telephone survey. The survey included the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM) and additional questions about their recovery process. Results Among 56 respondents (62.5% male, median age 26.0 years), the majority sustained injuries to the right foot (62.5%), great toe (71.4%), and proximal phalanx (67.9%). Patient satisfaction was high, with 92.9% reporting a positive experience and 98.2% finding the advice provided helpful. Median FAAM scores were 100% across both subscales, with a median recovery time of 6.0 weeks. Despite high satisfaction and favorable clinical outcomes, factors such as female gender and increased age were linked to poorer outcomes. Conclusion VFCs demonstrate high patient satisfaction, positive clinical outcomes, and cost-efficiency, making them a viable alternative to traditional fracture clinics, particularly for conservatively managed fractures. Further research should involve larger sample sizes, prospective study designs, and control groups to validate these findings.