 Patients were seen after 1 week, 4 or 5 weeks or when the cast was removed, 6 or 7 weeks, 12 weeks, and 26 weeks. After one year patients were interviewed by telephone or received an inquiry letter with a postage-paid envelope for their reply. The normal fracture treatment, either conservative or operative, was not compromised by the protocol, and if necessary patients were seen more often andor at other times than planned. 