Background: The purpose of this study was to review consecutive fifth metatarsal fractures in the author's (KFK) practice from August, 1999, to November, 2003.
Methods: During this period 64 patients (66 fractures; 35 tuberosity fractures, 10 Jones fractures, three stress fractures, two segmental shaft fractures and 16 oblique distal shaft/neck fractures) were treated nonoperatively. Initial treatment was started from the day of injury to as long as 8 weeks after injury. All patients were treated ambulatory with immediate weightbearing.
Results: The time to bony union averaged 3.7 months. The union rate was 98.5% with a satisfaction rate of 100%.
Conclusions: By using closed treatment techniques bony union was predictable with minimal cost and a high satisfaction rate. We recommend nonoperative treatment of fifth metatarsal fractures for patients in whom the time to return to full activities is not critical.