Accurate determination of screw position in treating fifth metatarsal base fractures to shorten radiation exposure time

<p><b>INTRODUCTION</b>Anatomical markers can help to guide lag screw placement during surgery for internal fixation of fifth metatarsal base fractures. This study aimed to identify the optimal anatomical markers and thus reduce radiation exposure.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 50 patients in Huashan Hospital, Shanghai, China, who underwent oblique foot radiography in the lateral position were randomly selected. The angles between the fifth metatarsal axis and cuboid articular surface were measured to determine the optimal lag screw placement relative to anatomical markers.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The line connecting the styloid process of the fifth metatarsal base with the second metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint intersected with the fifth metatarsal base fracture line at an angle of 86.85° ± 5.44°. The line connecting the fifth metatarsal base styloid with the third and fourth MTP joints intersected with the fracture line at angles of 93.28° ± 5.24° and 100.95° ± 5.00°, respectively. The proximal articular surface of the fifth metatarsal base intersected with the line connecting the styloid process of the fifth metatarsal base with the second, third and fourth MTP joints at angles of 24.02° ± 4.77°, 30.79° ± 4.53° and 38.08° ± 4.54°, respectively.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The fifth metatarsal base styloid and third MTP joint can be used as anatomical markers for lag screw placement in fractures involving the fifth tarsometatarsal joint. The connection line, which is normally perpendicular to the fracture line, provides sufficient mechanical stability to facilitate accurate screw placement. The use of these anatomical markers could help to reduce unnecessary radiation exposure for patients and medical staff.</p>

The Short Term Outcome of Surgical Treatment for the Fifth Metatarsal Base Fracture Using a Headless Cannulated Compression Screw / 대한족부족관절학회지

PURPOSE: This study aimed to evaluate the outcomes, including the complications, of open reduction and internal fixation using a headless cannulated compression screw for a fifth metatarsal base fracture. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively investigated 11 patients with 5th metatarsal base fracture who were treated with a headless cannulated compression screw. The mean follow-up period was 13 months (8~15 months), and the mean age was 46.5 years (21~70 years). We analyzed the patients' sex, age, time to union, amount of fracture displacement, and complications. The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) midfoot score was used for clinical assessment. RESULTS: The average amount of displacement decreased significantly from 3.4 mm (2.1~5.2 mm), preoperatively, to 0.4 mm (0~1.3 mm), postoperatively (p<0.001). The average bone union time was 54.1 days (41~68 days). There were no complications, such as a metal failure, irritation, and loss of a reduction. The mean AOFAS midfoot score was 97.7 (90~100) at 6 months, postoperatively. CONCLUSION: We suggest that a headless cannulated compression screw for 5th metatarsal base fracture is a useful and alternative method for a firm fixation without complications.

Treatment of Bunionette Deformity with Diaphyseal Oblique Osteotomy / 대한족부족관절학회지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the clinical and radiographic results of symptomatic bunionette treated with a diaphyseal oblique osteotomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 12 feet of nine patients diagnosed as symptomatic bunionette and treated with diaphyseal oblique osteotomy. All patients were female and the average age at the time of surgery was 48 years. We checked the foot standing anteroposterior, oblique, and lateral images pre- and post-operatively. We measured the fourth intermetatarsal angle and fifth metatarsophalangeal angle and evaluated the clinical results using the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) lesser metatarsophalangeal-interphalangeal (MTP-IP) scale preoperatively and six months postoperatively. RESULTS: Of the nine patients, hallux valgus was combined with symptomatic bunionette in seven feet of five patients. In all of our cases, the average AOFAS lesser MTP-IP scale showed improvement after surgery. Painful callosity around the fifth metatarsophalangeal joint disappeared after surgery in all of our cases. The fourth intermetatarsal angle improved from 12.7degrees to 3.1degrees and the fifth metatarsophalangeal angle improved from 16.6degrees to 2.3degrees. CONCLUSION: Diaphyseal oblique osteotomy of the fifth metatarsal appears to be a safe and satisfactory surgical procedure for treatment of symptomatic bunionette.

Surgical Treatment of the Fifth Metatarsal Base Fracture Using Multiple Kirschner Wires / 대한족부족관절학회지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the clinical and radiographic results of internal fixation using multiple Kirschner wires (K-wires) for the fifth metatarsal base fracture. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 14 patients with a displaced fifth metatarsal base fracture. We measured the distance of fracture displacement on the foot oblique radiograph pre- and post-operatively. We evaluated the clinical results using the visual analog pain scale at six weeks and three months postoperatively and the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) midfoot score at six months postoperatively. RESULTS: In our series, 10 cases were zone I fracture and four cases were zone II fracture. We achieved anatomical reduction and bony union in all of our cases. The average time to bone union was 43 days. The degree of pain around the fifth metatarsal base was significantly decreased after surgery. The average AOFAS score was 95 at six months postoperatively. CONCLUSION: Multiple K-wire fixation is a relatively simple fixation method for displaced fifth metatarsal base fractures. If we place a K-wire into the medial cortex of the fifth metatarsal, we could prevent proximal migration of the K-wire.

Bunionette Deformity / 대한족부족관절학회지

The bunionette, or a 'tailor's bunion', is a lateral bony prominence of the fifth metatarsal head. A bony deformity itself rarely causes symptom but if a painful inflammation of the overlying soft tissue is accompanied, it needs treatment. Conservative care using a shoe modification, padding, or orthosis is effective in most cases. Surgical management is indicated when the conservative methods have failed to improve symptoms, and the techniques include exostectomy, metatarsal osteotomies (distal, diaphyseal, or proximal), metatarsal head resection or fifth ray resection. We reviewed the etiology, clinical features, radiographic classification, nonoperative and operative treatments of the bunionette.

Fifth Metatarsal Stress Fracture / 대한족부족관절학회지

Fractures located at the metaphyseal/diaphyseal junction at the base of the fifth metatarsal were first described by Sir Robert Jones in 1902. However, ever since, there has been disagreement and debate regarding the diagnosis, classification, pathomechanics, the incidences, and potential causes of delayed unions and nonunions, and the optimal method of treatment. It appears to be widely agreed that proximal fractures of the metaphyseal/diaphyseal region of the fifth metatarsal are prone to delayed union or even nonunion. Several classifications of proximal fifth metatarsal stress fractures have been devised. Torg et al. classified fractures involving the proximal part of the diaphysis of the fifth metatarsal into three types. The Torg classification is a good grading system that can be used to determine the type of surgery needed as well as for the prediction of prognosis. The "plantar gap" might add to the decision-making process for surgery and improve the prediction of patient prognosis. In addition, the new classification using 'plantar gap' might be used for classification of fifth metatarsal stress fracture. Fifth metatarsal stress fractures can be treated conservatively or surgically, and excellent results have been reported for surgery with rapid recovery in athletes. Intramedullary screw fixation has become a popular form of fixation for fifth metatarsal stress fractures. Bone grafting presents the problems of a longer recovery time and additional skin incision for harvesting. The modified tension band wiring is an useful and simple option for surgical treatment of challenging fifth metatarsal stress fractures.

Surgical Excision of Symptomatic Nonunion of Fifth Metatarsal Base Avulsion Fracture in Athletes / 대한스포츠의학회지

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical results of surgical excision of symptomatic nonunion of fifth metatarsal base avulsion fracture in athletes. From February 2008 to December 2009, six athletic patients who had a symptomatic nonunion of fifth metatarsal base avulsion fracture underwent surgical excision of ununited bony fragment and they were followed for more than 12 months. The mean age was 18.5 years and the mean follow-up period was 13 months. The clinical results were evaluated using the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) forefoot scoring system and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) scoring system and statistically analyzed (SPSS ver. 18.0). The AOFAS and VAS score was improved in all patients. The mean AOFAS forefoot score was improved from 58.6+/-5.7 preoperatively to 95+/-5.4 postoperatively, which indicated significant difference (p=0.024). The mean preoperative VAS score was 8.0+/-0.6 and the mean postoperative VAS score was 1.6+/-0.5 cm, which indicated significant difference (p=0.023). There were no postoperative problems and functional loss on the operation lesions. The surgical excision of symptomatic nonunion of fifth metatarsal base avulsion fracture in athletes was found to be one of the ideal treatment option for early return to full activity and relief of pain.

Percutaneous Cannulated Screw Fixation of Fifth Proximal Metatarsal Stress Fracture in Athletes / 대한스포츠의학회지

The purpose of this study was to know utility of percutaneous cannulated screw fixation of fifth proximal metatarsal stress fractures in athletes by assessment of radiological and clinical outcome. This study examined clinical and radiological union time of eleven cases of percutaneous screw fixation, which used the 4.0 mm cannulated screw, of fifth proximal metatarsal stress fracture in athletes. Type I of Torg classification is 7 cases, type II is 3 cases and type III is 1 case. All the cases showed fracture union, and all the patients resumed their athletics at the final follow-up. None of the cases complained of refracture or pain around where they had surgery, and visual analogue scale of pain, and American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society score was 0.73 and 93.4. The results of the study confirm that percutaneous screw fixation, which used the cannulated screw, of fifth proximal metatarsal stress fracture would help athletes resume their athletics in early stages.

Fractures of the Proximal Fifth Metatarsal: Percutaneous Bicortical Fixation

BACKGROUND: Displaced intraarticular zone I and displaced zone II fractures of the proximal fifth metatarsal bone are frequently complicated by delayed nonunion due to a vascular watershed. Many complications have been reported with the commonly used intramedullary screw fixation for these fractures. The optimal surgical procedure for these fractures has not been determined. All these observations led us to evaluate the effectiveness of percutaneous bicortical screw fixation for treating these fractures. METHODS: Twenty-three fractures were operatively treated by bicortical screw fixation. All the fractures were evaluated both clinically and radiologically for the healing. All the patients were followed at 2 or 3 week intervals till fracture union. The patients were followed for an average of 22.5 months. RESULTS: Twenty-three fractures healed uneventfully following bicortical fixation, with a mean healing time of 6.3 weeks (range, 4 to 10 weeks). The average American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) score was 94 (range, 90 to 99). All the patients reported no pain at rest or during athletic activity. We removed the implant in all cases at a mean of 23.2 weeks (range, 18 to 32 weeks). There was no refracture in any of our cases. CONCLUSIONS: The current study shows the effectiveness of bicortical screw fixation for displaced intraarticular zone I fractures and displaced zone II fractures. We recommend it as one of the useful techniques for fixation of displaced zone I and II fractures.

Contribution of Lateral Ankle Instability Evaluation with MRI to Proximal Fifth Metatarsal Fracture / 대한족부족관절학회지

PURPOSE: One of the main contributors to proximal fifth metatarsal fracture is ankle inversion and the incidence of recurrence may increase in patients with ankle instability. So, the authors confirmed the patients of proximal fifth metatarsal fracture with ankle instability by checking the history and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and assessed the value of MRI as therapeutic prognosis and clinical indicators for prevention of recurrence. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with proximal fifth metatarsal fractures visited our hospital during recent five years were reviewed. 35 patients with suspected damage by ankle inversion had been identified a history of ankle instability and checked the hindfoot malalignment through hindfoot alignment view and MRI was performed prospectively. The patients was devided to three groups on the location of fracture site and the groups were compared each other. RESULTS: The mean time from injury to checking MRI was 10.7 days. There was no structural abnormality and was no significant difference according to the location of fracture. The patients with history of ankle inversion were 31(88.6%) and the patients with history of chronic or recurrent injury were 22 patients (62.9%). The lesion of MRI related to lateral ankle instability were identified in all patients. CONCLUSION: This study noted a high incidence of lateral ankle instability that was identified by MRI in the patients of proximal fifth metatarsal fracture. Aggressive treatment for lateral ankle instability should be needed for complications as proximal fifth metatarsal fracture to reduce the recurrence and occurrence.

Fracture of the Fifth Proximal Metatarsal Bone in Soccer Players / 대한스포츠의학회지

The purpose of this study was to evaluate correlation between lower limb varus and fracture of proximal 5th metatarsal bone occurred to soccer players and clinical results of treatment. Twenty soccer players (21 cases) were included and the average age of patients is 20.7 years. The average of follow up is 25 months. Fifteen cases were treated with intramedullary screw and 6 cases by conservative method. Union time, time of returning to exercise, lower extremity varus and complications were evaluated. In surgically treated group, the 14 cases gained radiological union in 7 weeks and the average time of returning to exercise was 3.4 months. In conservatively treated group, the 4 cases gained radiological union in 11 weeks and the average time of returning to exercise was 4.5 months. Radiological lower limb varus was observed in 17 cases. Lower limb varus may be one of predisposing factors to developing the fracture of proximal 5th metatarsal bone. And the surgical treatment was recommended than conservative treatment for better clinical outcomes.

Conservative Treatment of Nondisplaced Fifth Metatarsal Base Zone I and II Fractures / 대한족부족관절학회지

PURPOSE: Zone I fractures of the fifth metatarsal bone can generally be treated by conservative methods while both surgical and conservative methods are used for zone II fractures. However, the clinical results of conservative treatment have been rarely reported. The purpose of this study is to report the clinical results of conservative treatment for zone I and II nondisplaced fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between July 2007 and August 2008, consecutive thirty seven patients (38 fractures) with zone I and II fractures of the fifth metatarsal bone were treated with tolerable weight bearing and minimum duration of immobilization based on pain on weight bearing. We evaluated the duration of immobilization, time to clinical and radiographic union, and time to pre-injury activity level. RESULTS: Clinical and radiological union were achieved in all patients without any complications including malunion or nonunion. The mean duration of immobilization was 28.7 days. The mean 33.1 days and 48.9 days were required for clinical union and radiographic union respectively, after the initial injury. The mean time to pre-injury activity level was 4.8 months. CONCLUSION: Our study shows that the acute nondisplaced zone I, II fracture of fifth metatarsal bone can be treated effectively using tolerable weight bearing and minimum duration of immobilization, which is based on the pain on weight bearing.

Operative Treatment of Fractures of the Fifth Metatarsal Base / 대한족부족관절학회지

Purpose: Nonunions and delayed unions are possible complications of fractures of fifth metatarsal base. We tried to report the results of the surgical treatment, which is not prevalent yet. Materials and Methods: Retrospective study of thirty nine patients undergoing operation at our institution between 2003 and 2008 was conducted. Six patients were excluded with loss of follow up before bony union, multiple trauma, pediatric fractures, stress fracture, open fracture. There were 18 males and 15 females with 45.1 years old mean age. The average follow-up period was 18.3 months. We used a midfoot scoring system of AOFAS for clinical assessment and radiologic findings to evaluate bony union, alignment. Results: According to Lawrence's classification, Zone 1 fractures were thirteen and Zone 2 were twenty. Average AOFAS score was 93.61. Conclusion: Early operative treatment with cannulated screw fixation in fractures of the fifth metatarsal base is thought to be an useful and easy treatment option with faster rates of union.

Predisposing Factors and Treatment for the Fifth Proximal Metatarsal Fracture / 대한족부족관절학회지

PURPOSE: To evaluate clinical results of the 5th proximal metatarsal intraarticular fracture (Zone I) with displacement treated operatively and to evaluate predisposing factors of the 5th proximal metatarsal fracture (Zone I). MATERIALS AND METHODS: 11 patients treated for the 5th proximal metatarsal fracture (Zone I) operatively and 10 patients treated conservatively between Jan 2003 and Dec 2005, were followed for more than one year. Functions were graded by AOFAS foot scoring system and union time and postoperative complications were also evaluated. Calcaneal pitch angle was also evaluated. RESULTS: Clinically there were no much difference in results. Clinical points were 94.5 in the operative group and 92.3 in the conservative group. At the last follow-up, the radiographic results showed union in all cases. During the follow-up period, there were no significant complications. But in the conservative group, displaced fracture with calcaneal pitch angle over 30 degree tends to show delayed union and time to loss of pain tends to be prolonged. CONCLUSION: Calcaneal pitch angle is thought to predisposing factor for 5th metatarsal base fracture. Operative treatment is viable option for the 5th proximal metatarsal intraarticular fracture with displacement and with calcaneal pitch angle over 30 degree. In cases of cavovarus foot deformity, we think operative treatment should be considered with deliberation and long term follow-up study for peroneal tendinopathy should be needed.

Operative Treatment for Avulsion Fracture of Base of the Fifth Metatarsal / 대한족부족관절학회지

PURPOSE: To analyze the clinical and radiological results of the operative treatment in the avulsion fracture on the base of the fifth metatarsal. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We studied retrospectively, 11 patients of avulsion fracture on the base of the fifth metatarsal operated and followed over 1 year, from February 2000 to May 2002. There were eight men and three women and the average age was 39 years old. The mean follow up period was 14 months. Ten cases were slip-down and one case was fall from a height injuries. We used the modified Foot Score by Wiener for the clinical evaluation, and analyzed the time of union and state of reduction radiologically. RESULTS: In clinical results, we had ten excellent and one good cases by the modified Foot Score at last follow-up. In radiologic results, the complete bony union was achieved in all cases and the duration of the bony union was 37 days in average. CONCLUSION: We had good result for the avulsion fractures on the base of the fifth metatarsal treated by the operation. This study shows the operation was recommended for the moderate and severe displacement of the avulsion fractures on the base of the fifth metatarsal.

Assessment of Developing Feet Aged From 9 to 72 Months Using Harris Mat Footprint

OBJECTIVE: Purposes of this study were to measure the optional five kinds of parameters in children's footprint, to seek what parameters are significant to follow the change of the children's feet and to get the values of normal ranges in children aging from 9 to 72 months. METHOD: Subjects were 286 children (572 feet) having no neurologic or musculoskeletal problems. They were divided into seven groups according to age. Five optional parameters of footprint are medial arch angle, lateral concave ratio, angle between transverse axis and long axis, fifth metatarsal angle, and angle between long axis and fifth metatarsal line. RESULTS: 1) Medial arch angles were significantly increased from 10.03o (group I) to 41.23o (group VII). 2) Lateral concave ratios were significantly increased from 31.75% (group I) to 61.48% (group VII). 3) Angles between long and transverse axes were not significantly different. 4) Fifth metatarsal angles were significantly increased from 83.00o (group I) to 91.04o (group VII). 5) Angles between long axis and fifth metatarsal line were not significantly changed. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that three components-the medial arch, the transverse axis and the fifth metatarsal line-were considered to be available parameters to follow the development of feet. And it is also proposed that our values of their normal range will be helpful to detect abnormalities of children's developing feet.