Fracture of the Fifth Proximal Metatarsal Bone in Soccer Players

Kim, Sang Woo; Cho, Sung Do; Youm, Yoon Seok; Park, Ki Bong; Shin, Seung Myeong

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate correlation between lower limb varus and fracture of proximal 5th metatarsal bone occurred to soccer players and clinical results of treatment. Twenty soccer players (21 cases) were included and the average age of patients is 20.7 years. The average of follow up is 25 months. Fifteen cases were treated with intramedullary screw and 6 cases by conservative method. Union time, time of returning to exercise, lower extremity varus and complications were evaluated. In surgically treated group, the 14 cases gained radiological union in 7 weeks and the average time of returning to exercise was 3.4 months. In conservatively treated group, the 4 cases gained radiological union in 11 weeks and the average time of returning to exercise was 4.5 months. Radiological lower limb varus was observed in 17 cases. Lower limb varus may be one of predisposing factors to developing the fracture of proximal 5th metatarsal bone. And the surgical treatment was recommended than conservative treatment for better clinical outcomes.