The Use of Percutaneous Screw Fixation Without Fracture Site Preparation in the Treatment of Fifth Metatarsal Base Nonunion.

Nonunion after a proximal fifth metatarsal fracture can cause considerable pain, with high morbidity and loss of work. Although many authors advocate early surgical management of zone 3 injuries (Jones fractures), zone 1 and 2 fractures are generally expected to heal with conservative management. Uncommonly, zone 1 and 2 fractures can develop nonunions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of closed intramedullary screw fixation for nonunions of the fifth metatarsal base. We performed a prospective study involving all fifth metatarsal base nonunions treated in our department over 2 years. Only minimally displaced adult fractures were considered for this study. The fracture pattern was categorized using the Dameron classification (zone 1, styloid process; zone 2, metadiaphyseal area; zone 3, proximal diaphysis). All nonunions were fixed percutaneously under radiographic guidance, without fracture site preparation. Zone 1 injuries were fixed using a 3-mm headless compression screw, and those of zones 2 and 3, with an intramedullary 4-mm screw. Of 30 patients included in this study, a minimum 6-month clinical follow-up was obtained. The average time from injury to treatment was 5.9 months (range 3 to 36). There were no smokers in this patient cohort. There were 12 zone 1 injuries, 9 zone 2 injuries, and 9 zone 3 injuries. All patients achieved union by 3 months after screw fixation, with 29 of 30 achieving union by 6 weeks. All patients had resolution of symptoms. There were no complications. We conclude that percutaneous fixation of fifth metatarsal base nonunions, without fracture site preparation, achieves excellent results. We believe that the screw alters the strain of the fracture, thus promoting fibrous-to-osseous conversion and therefore union.

The modified Broström-Gould procedure--early results using a newly described surgical technique.

Ankle lateral ligament injuries are one of the most common sporting injuries, with the majority being successfully treated conservatively. However, reconstruction is required if this fails. We present the clinical results of a newly described surgical technique of triple-breasting the lateral ligament complex using suture anchors. Sixteen patients (18 ankles) were treated with this new technique. The mean duration of symptoms was 77 months. The mean follow-up was 25 months. All patients underwent an arthroscopy followed by lateral ligament reconstruction by this new technique. Additional pathology included osteoarthritis (2), ankle impingement due to anterior cheilus (2), osteochondral defects (3) and non-union of fracture of anterior process of calcaneus. Additional procedures above diagnostic arthroscopy, soft tissue debridement and modified Broström-Gould repair included debridement and microfracture (3), open excision of anterior calcaneal process (1) and arthroscopic anterior ankle cheilectomy (2). At final follow-up, all ankles were subjectively and objectively stable. Mean AOFAS score improved from 53 to 88. This was statistically significant (p<0.05). Eight patients had resumed normal pre-injury level of activities (including sports), 8 had some reduction in normal level of activity. The early results of our modification show it to be safe, successful and comparable with previously published series with all patients having objectively and subjectively stable ankles at final follow-up.

Hindfoot arthrodesis for management of bone loss following calcaneus fractures and nonunions.

Massive bone loss following calcaneal fractures is a challenging condition to treat, especially if nonunion is present. Meticulous preoperative examination and imaging are crucial for accurate preoperative planning. If performed, successful outcomes can be achieved with the strategies outlined in this article.