metatarsal fractures
Last reviewed 01/2018
- fractures of the base of the fifth metatarsal - occur frequently are are often missed. An avulsion fracture of the base of the fifth metatarsal occurs when a sudden inversion of the foot causes a reflex contraction of peroneus brevis. Patients will often present with a sprained ankle. This fracture may be missed because a routine ankle xray will not show the base of the fifth metatarsal. The patient with a sprained ankle therefore should be examined for tenderness of the base of the fifth metatarsal.
- treatment is generally conservative because most metatarsal fractures are undisplaced. If there is severe pain then a wool and crepe bandage or below-knee plaster can be used until the pain resolves.
- march or 'stress' fracture - this generally affects the neck or the shaft of the second metatarsal.