Condition Articles-Fifth Metatarsal Fractures PDF

Fifth Metatarsal Fractures PDF

Pdf Summary

Fifth metatarsal fractures are one of the most common fractures in the foot and require careful evaluation and treatment. The fifth metatarsal has a unique blood supply and biomechanical function, which makes fracture management more complex than other metatarsals. The fifth metatarsal has less soft tissue coverage and intrinsic muscle attachments compared to the other metatarsals, and it plays an important role in maintaining the foot's tripod effect with the calcaneus and first metatarsal. <br /><br />Fifth metatarsal fractures can result from both low and high energy mechanisms, such as stress responses, twisting injuries, lawn mower accidents, and motor vehicle accidents. There are two eponyms commonly used to describe fifth metatarsal fractures: dancers and Jones fractures. Dancer's fractures typically occur with inversion injuries and involve the shaft of the metatarsal, while Jones fractures occur in the region of the meta-diaphyseal region, which has a relatively avascular zone that increases the risk of nonunion. <br /><br />Patients with fifth metatarsal fractures often describe a prodrome of pain that has been present for weeks to months before fracture completion or presentation to a clinician. Physical examination may reveal dorsal soft tissue swelling, ecchymosis, and pain with weight bearing. The examiner should pay close attention to the neurovascular exam and the TMT and MTP articulations. <br /><br />Imaging studies, such as plain radiographs, are used to assess the location and severity of the fracture. Conservative treatment is the preferred approach for most metatarsal fractures, involving immobilization in a cast or CAM boot for 6 weeks. Surgery may be necessary for non-unions and significant fracture displacement, but it is uncommon for fifth metatarsal fractures. <br /><br />In conclusion, fifth metatarsal fractures require careful evaluation and treatment due to the unique characteristics of the fifth metatarsal. It is important for physicians to understand the complexities associated with these fractures in order to provide appropriate management.

Keywords

fifth metatarsal fractures

foot fractures

fracture evaluation

fracture treatment

blood supply

biomechanical function

stress responses

dancer's fractures

Jones fractures

fracture management