DOS Kongressen 2014 ·
161
Retrospective study of fifth metatarsal fractures.
Jesper Høeg Vinther, Fanny Olsen
Deparment of Orthopaedic Surgery, Kolding
Background:
Fractures of the fifth metatarsal are common in active people,
and are one of the most common fractures of the foot, with the majority be-
ing managed conservatively. It is our experience that fifth metatarsal fractures
are conservatively treated in many different regimes, and without distinguising
to different fracture subtypes. Most types of fifth metatarsal fractures have a
favourable prognosis and can be treated conservatively.
Purpose / Aim of Study:
The aim of our study was to describe the distribution
of different treatments in relation to different fracture subtypes and describe
treatment types used in different age- groups.
Materials and Methods:
In this study we included a consecutive series of 165
patients with fifth metatarsal fractures who presented to our department over
a period from 2005–2013. Clinical notes and radiographs of included patients
were analysed retrospectively, and fractures were classified according to loca-
tion (zone 1-5, 1e). Serial radiographs were studied to identify displacement.
All radiographs were reviewed by first and second authors and any dispute was
settled by mutual agreement.
Findings / Results:
Patients in our population were on average 38 (sd=22)
years old, and 54% were males. The zone 1 fracture was the most common
fracture (49%). Overall, most fractures were managed conservatively (86%).
The zone 1e and 5 fractures were most frequently treated with elastic bandage
or spica, and patients in these groups were in general younger with mean age 28
(sd=20) and 28 (sd= 24), respectively. Generally, treatment lasting > 6 weeks
were seldom used.
Conclusions:
In our study we found that patients with fifth metatarsal frac-
tures have most common a fracture in zone 1. Age and fracture type may influ-
ence on the decision of treatment, although a general pattern cannot be found.
108.
