Treatment of Base of the Fifth Metatarsal Fractures in Urgent Care

Dr Olu De Rozario

November 2020

Abstract:

This retrospective audit was aimed at determining the best treatment modality for
proximal (zone one) fifth metatarsal fractures in an urgent care setting. The analysis was
not able to show a statistically significant advantage between treatment groups (weight
bearing moon boot/non weight bearing moonboot/non weight bearing below knee cast) in
fracture healing at six weeks post injury. However, a review of the current literature
suggests that most of these fractures will heal with little complications. The study also
examined orthopaedic specialists’ opinions regarding the treatment of these fractures and
revealed much variability between individuals. Overall, this study was able to demonstrate
that there is a real need for more concrete local guidelines on how best to manage zone
one fifth metatarsal fractures. This work provides a foundation for a higher-powered study
and subsequent treatment guidelines in this area.