Study	Reason for exclusion
Cohen 2001	RCT. Fractures of the base of the fifth metacarpal and distal radius fractures. No separate data analysis was possible for the fifth metacarpal fractures.
De Kleuver 1996	RCT. In this abstract of a Dutch orthopaedic meeting insufficient data were given to be interpreted.
Garramone 1996	RCT. In this abstract a short arm cast was compared to volar splint. Insufficient data were given on the exact treatment modalities. Unclear if free motion in MCP was possible in one of the treatment groups.
Hansen 1998	RCT. The type of participants did not meet the inclusion criteria. Described fourth and fifth metacarpal fractures. No separate data analysis was possible for the fifth metacarpal fractures.
Hutchison 1996	This was a study on the ability to make a cast by surgical trainees. Not an RCT.
Konradsen 1990	RCT. The type of participants did not meet the inclusion criteria. Described fractures of the second to fifth metacarpal. No separate data analysis was possible for the fifth metacarpal fractures.
McMahon 1994	RCT. The type of participants did not meet the inclusion criteria. Patients with metacarpal shaft fractures were included, not subcapital fractures. No specific data were given on which metacarpal was fractured.
Randall 1992	RCT. The type of participants did not meet the inclusion criteria. This study included fractures of the base, shaft and neck of the metacarpal bone. All hands had to be immobilized for at least one week.
Sorensen 1993	RCT. The type of participants did not meet the inclusion criteria. Described fractures of the second to fifth metacarpal. No separate data were given on fifth metacarpal.

MCP: metacarpal phalangeal joint 
 RCT: randomized controlled trial