Treatment of Fifth Metatarsal Base Fracture Using Tension Band Wiring / 대한족부족관절학회지

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical and radiological results of internal fixation with tension band wiring for the fracture at the base of fifth metatarsal bone. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From January 2008 to December 2009, 15 cases with displaced fracture at the base of fifth metatarsal were analyzed and average follow up period was 13.8 months. Lawrence classification was used to classify fracture type. We evaluated clinical results by American Orthopedic Foot Ankle Society (AOFAS) midfoot score and radiological results by union time. Complications was also checked. RESULTS: According to classification, zone I fracture were 11 cases and zone II fracture were 4 cases. Bony union was achieved in all cases after 7 weeks. In the final follow-up, average AOFAS score was 94. There were no complications except hardware irritation. CONCLUSION: Satisfactory results were obtained after tension band wiring for the fifth Metatarsal base fracture in zone I fracture or comminuted zone II fracture for which it is not easy to be fixed with screw.

Results of Non-Operative Treatment of the Zone I, II Fifth Metatarsal Base Fracture / 대한족부족관절학회지

PURPOSE: To evaluate the results of conservative treatment of zone I, II 5th metatarsal base fracture. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between May 2004 and June 2010, a total of 58 patients of zone I, II 5th metatarsal base fractures were included in this study. The mean length of follow-up was 13.5 months (12~36 months). All of the patients were treated with full-weight-bearing short leg cast immobilization for 4 weeks and wooden sole shoes for 4 weeks. The results were evaluated about the radiographic union, the midfoot scale of American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS), the tenderness on fracture site and other complications. RESULTS: All patients were able to return to their prior levels of activity. The mean time for union as shown on radiographs was 45.5 days, and the mean midfoot scale of AOFAS was 99.7 points. There were no nonunions or refractures during the follow-up. CONCLUSION: The conservative treatment with full-weight-bearing short leg cast and wooden sole shoes seems to give good results for zone I, II 5th metatarsal base fracture.