J Korean Foot Ankle Soc.  2016 Sep;20(3):131-134. 10.14193/jkfas.2016.20.3.131.

The Short Term Outcome of Surgical Treatment for the Fifth Metatarsal Base Fracture Using a Headless Cannulated Compression Screw

• Chon JG
• Choi H
• Kim JB
• Sun DH
• Shin SY

• KMID: 2351419
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.14193/jkfas.2016.20.3.131

Abstract

PURPOSE
This study aimed to evaluate the outcomes, including the complications, of open reduction and internal fixation using a headless cannulated compression screw for a fifth metatarsal base fracture.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
We retrospectively investigated 11 patients with 5th metatarsal base fracture who were treated with a headless cannulated compression screw. The mean follow-up period was 13 months (8~15 months), and the mean age was 46.5 years (21~70 years). We analyzed the patients' sex, age, time to union, amount of fracture displacement, and complications. The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) midfoot score was used for clinical assessment.
RESULTS
The average amount of displacement decreased significantly from 3.4 mm (2.1~5.2 mm), preoperatively, to 0.4 mm (0~1.3 mm), postoperatively (p<0.001). The average bone union time was 54.1 days (41~68 days). There were no complications, such as a metal failure, irritation, and loss of a reduction. The mean AOFAS midfoot score was 97.7 (90~100) at 6 months, postoperatively.
CONCLUSION
We suggest that a headless cannulated compression screw for 5th metatarsal base fracture is a useful and alternative method for a firm fixation without complications.

Keyword

Fifth metatarsal; Fracture; Headless cannulated compression screw

MeSH Terms

Ankle
Follow-Up Studies
Foot
Humans
Metatarsal Bones*
Methods
Retrospective Studies

Figure

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  Figure 1. A 3.0 mm headless cannulated compression screw with a low profile head to prevent soft tissue irritation and to facilitate countersinking, particularly in small bone was used.

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  Figure 2. (A) A 50-year-old woman with 5th metatarsal base fracture. Initial oblique view with 3.1 mm displacement. (B) Immediate postoperative oblique view after open reduction and headless cannulated compression screw fixation. (C) Follow-up oblique view on her postoperative 6 months.

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