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Can Spiral Fractures Of The Fifth Metatarsal On The Feet Be Treated With Surgery?

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Posted on Wed, 22 Nov 2023
Question: I have a spiral fracture of the fifth metatarsal on left foot. I've been in a cast for six weeks and no healing on X-ray and pain still at break site. Can they go ahead and fix with surgery? I'm a caregiver and I walk five miles a day. I'm sixty years old and have RA and Osteoporosis but in good health. I weigh 118 lbs and I'm 5'4" tall. What do you think?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (24 minutes later)
Brief Answer:

Surgery is definitely an option

Detailed Answer:

Hi,

Part of treatment of fractures of the foot includes avoidance of weight-bearing activities which is difficult for you to do since you have to walk daily.

Fractures of the 5th metatarsal are classified according to the exact area of the bone where the injury occurs.

There is one type of fracture of this bone that heals poorly without surgery and surgery is usually eventually required (called the XXXXXXX fracture).

It is possible that you have this or a similar type of fracture. Since it has been more than 6 weeks and there is no evidence of healing then surgery is definitely an option.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Michelle Gibson James (12 minutes later)
I’m pretty sure this is XXXXXXX fracture. Bone is separated by 2mm but still connected by a small piece.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (2 minutes later)
Brief Answer:

Definitely, surgery should be considered

Detailed Answer:

Hi,

In the case of a XXXXXXX fracture, surgery should definitely be considered since there would be poor or delayed healing otherwise.

Displacement or widening of the fracture tends to occur with continued weight bearing if not repaired.

Hope I have answered your query.

Take care

Regards,
Dr Michelle Gibson James, General & Family Physician
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Michelle Gibson James

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 16808 Questions

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Can Spiral Fractures Of The Fifth Metatarsal On The Feet Be Treated With Surgery?

Brief Answer: Surgery is definitely an option Detailed Answer: Hi, Part of treatment of fractures of the foot includes avoidance of weight-bearing activities which is difficult for you to do since you have to walk daily. Fractures of the 5th metatarsal are classified according to the exact area of the bone where the injury occurs. There is one type of fracture of this bone that heals poorly without surgery and surgery is usually eventually required (called the XXXXXXX fracture). It is possible that you have this or a similar type of fracture. Since it has been more than 6 weeks and there is no evidence of healing then surgery is definitely an option. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.