Nonoperative treatment of fifth metatarsal fractures in an orthopaedic suburban private multispeciality practice

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.