$nondisplaced metatarsal fracture$

Fortunately, metatarsal fractures usually heal completely and patients are typically able to resume their pre-injury activities without problems. Long Termīecause your foot absorbs all of your weight when you walk or run, it needs to be able to withstand a lot of stress. You will see your physician every few weeks or months to make sure the break and wounds are healing well. Plates and screws may or may not need to be removed. If pins are placed, they will typically be removed in the office after about 6-8 weeks. You may also be placed in a cast or hard boot. If surgery is needed, you will typically need to stay off your foot for at least 6-8 weeks to allow your fracture to heal. This is a discussion for you and your physician.įigure 5: 5th metatarsal Jones fracture. There are several other types of fractures to the 5th metatarsal that are not Jones fractures, and these heal well without surgery. non-operative treatment for this specific fracture with your treating physician or surgeon. You should discuss the advantages and disadvantages of operative vs. Non-surgical treatment can also heal a majority of these fractures. Surgery is usually recommended for athletes or those who need to return to demanding physical activities in a short amount of time. Some foot shapes may increase the likelihood of this fracture. This fracture can be caused by a twisting injury. This fracture occurs where the fifth metatarsal bone decreases in size from its wide base to the narrower shaft. There is a particular fracture that happens near the base of your fifth metatarsal (the bump on the outside of your foot halfway along your foot) that warrants special attention. Sometimes, a cut will need to be made on the top of your foot to realign your bones, and the bone will be stabilized with metal plates and screws. These pins may then be removed in the office in about 6-10 weeks. If surgery is needed, the bones can often be realigned and held in place with temporary pins. This is especially true for fractures involving the first metatarsal. These include fractures that have poked through the skin, and any fractures that are so separated that they do not line up well enough to heal or work properly afterwards. There are some metatarsal fractures that benefit from surgery. After a period of healing, you may begin a slow return to activity. You will likely be advised to stay off the foot for 4-6 weeks or even longer until the pain subsides. If you are diagnosed with a stress fracture of the metatarsal, you will be advised to stop the activity that caused it. You may be able to place more pressure on your foot over time. As your broken bone(s) heal over 8-12 weeks, your pain will decrease. Your treating physician will decide this. The amount of pressure you are able to put on your foot will depend on which bones are broken. A stiff soled shoe, walking boot, or even a cast may be used. Most metatarsal fractures can be treated without surgery. You should also elevate your foot as much as possible for the first 2-3 days, and apply ice to help decrease the swelling as well as your pain. If the bone did not poke through the skin, the emergency room provider will typically put you in a splint (half cast), place you on crutches, prescribe medications to help you deal with your pain, and advise you to follow up with either your primary care provider or an orthopaedic surgeon. The diagnosis is usually made by taking x-rays.

$nondisplaced metatarsal fracture$

You may decide to go to an emergency room or to your primary care doctor. If your metatarsal fracture is the result of a crush or twisting injury, the pain will likely be great enough to make you seek immediate medical attention.

$nondisplaced metatarsal fracture$

Disaster Management and Emergency Preparednessįigure 4: Stress fracture of the 2nd metatarsal.OTA Support of Federal Grant Applications.Video Library: Annual Meeting & Conferences.

$nondisplaced metatarsal fracture$

Nondisplaced metatarsal fracture