The size of the fractured fragment may vary considerably. X-rays of the foot will reveal a long oblique fracture of the shaft of the 5th metatarsal. However, the main tenderness will usually be just before the base of the fifth toe. There may be tenderness and swelling over a large area of the outside of the foot.
When pressing on the outside of the foot, there will be marked tenderness over the 5th metatarsal. Figure 2: Twisting mechanism causing injury It will be associated with quite specific local tenderness over the bone near the base of the fifth toe and on the outside of the foot (the 5th metatarsal).
Displaced 5th metatarsal fracture skin#
Over time, the skin can turn black and blue. Weight bearing on the injured foot may be difficult due to pain and discomfort. It can be associated with significant swelling. This will produce immediate pain over the outside aspect of the foot near the toes. An acute rolling of their ankle while pointing the toes down can also fracture the shaft of the 5th metatarsal (See Figure 1). Figure 1: 5th Metatarsal Shaft “Dancer’s” FractureĪ patient who suffers a 5 th shaft fracture (See Figure 1) commonly gives a history of a twisting injury to their ankle and foot (inversion and plantarflexion injury), similar to what occurs with an ankle sprain (Figure 2). However, since this fracture of the fifth metatarsal was first described in ballet dancer’s, it has become known as a dancer’s fracture as well. **There is another fracture that may also be referred to as a dancer’s fracture.
Displaced 5th metatarsal fracture full#
It often takes 4 or more months for a full recovery to occur. It typically takes about 6 weeks for adequate bone healing to occur, before patients can start to significantly increase their activity level. In many instances, this type of fracture can be treated non-operatively, with relative immobilization in a walking boot combined with limited weight-bearing. This 5th metatarsal “Dancer’s” fracture causes localized pain, swelling, and difficulty walking. During this injury, the 5th metatarsal is twisted by a strong force resulting in a spiral fracture. A twisting injury to the ankle and foot may cause a long fracture of the 5th metatarsal shaft - the bone that attaches the little toe to the midfoot (Figure 1).
0 kommentar(er)
