• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.87-93
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• 2012

Fractures located at the metaphyseal/diaphyseal junction at the base of the fifth metatarsal were first described by Sir Robert Jones in 1902. However, ever since, there has been disagreement and debate regarding the diagnosis, classification, pathomechanics, the incidences, and potential causes of delayed unions and nonunions, and the optimal method of treatment. It appears to be widely agreed that proximal fractures of the metaphyseal/diaphyseal region of the fifth metatarsal are prone to delayed union or even nonunion. Several classifications of proximal fifth metatarsal stress fractures have been devised. Torg et al. classified fractures involving the proximal part of the diaphysis of the fifth metatarsal into three types. The Torg classification is a good grading system that can be used to determine the type of surgery needed as well as for the prediction of prognosis. The ''plantar gap'' might add to the decision-making process for surgery and improve the prediction of patient prognosis. In addition, the new classification using 'plantar gap' might be used for classification of fifth metatarsal stress fracture. Fifth metatarsal stress fractures can be treated conservatively or surgically, and excellent results have been reported for surgery with rapid recovery in athletes. Intramedullary screw fixation has become a popular form of fixation for fifth metatarsal stress fractures. Bone grafting presents the problems of a longer recovery time and additional skin incision for harvesting. The modified tension band wiring is an useful and simple option for surgical treatment of challenging fifth metatarsal stress fractures.

• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
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• v.26 no.4
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• pp.163-170
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• 2022

Purpose: The proximal fifth metatarsal fracture is one of the most common foot fractures. However, few studies have evaluated the associated injuries in patients with a proximal fifth metatarsal fracture. The purpose of this study was to investigate the incidence of foot and ankle joint injuries associated with proximal fifth metatarsal fractures and compare the incidence of these injuries based on the injury mechanisms and location of the fracture. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study included 157 patients with a proximal fifth metatarsal fracture who underwent surgery from January 2014 to August 2021. Their medical records and radiology images were reviewed to classify and analyze the associated injuries. The proximal fifth metatarsal fractures were classified using Lawrence and Botte's classification. Injury mechanisms were divided into direct and indirect injuries. The incidence of injuries was statistically analyzed according to the injury mechanism and classification. Results: Of the 157 patients with proximal fifth metatarsal fractures, 81 (51.6%) were diagnosed with foot and ankle joint injuries. The incidence of foot injuries was 65.4%, that of ankle joint injuries was 19.8%, and of both foot and ankle joint injuries was 14.8%. In patients with direct injuries, the incidence of foot and ankle joint injuries was 82.5% and that of indirect injuries was 41.0%. Statistical differences were observed between the incidence of direct and indirect injuries (p<0.001). The incidence of injuries, according to Lawrence and Botte's classification, was 54.9% (Zone I), 41.2% (Zone II), and 50.0% (Zone III) respectively. However, there were no statistically significant variations in the locations of the proximal fifth metatarsal fractures (p=0.051). Conclusion: In this study, the incidence of foot and ankle joint injuries associated with proximal fifth metatarsal fractures was found to be high. Therefore, a careful physical examination and appropriate radiological evaluation are recommended for patients with such fractures.

• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
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• v.14 no.2
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• pp.119-122
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• 2010

Purpose: One of the main contributors to proximal fifth metatarsal fracture is ankle inversion and the incidence of recurrence may increase in patients with ankle instability. So, the authors confirmed the patients of proximal fifth metatarsal fracture with ankle instability by checking the history and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and assessed the value of MRI as therapeutic prognosis and clinical indicators for prevention of recurrence. Materials and Methods: Patients with proximal fifth metatarsal fractures visited our hospital during recent five years were reviewed. 35 patients with suspected damage by ankle inversion had been identified a history of ankle instability and checked the hindfoot malalignment through hindfoot alignment view and MRI was performed prospectively. The patients was devided to three groups on the location of fracture site and the groups were compared each other. Results: The mean time from injury to checking MRI was 10.7 days. There was no structural abnormality and was no significant difference according to the location of fracture. The patients with history of ankle inversion were 31(88.6%) and the patients with history of chronic or recurrent injury were 22 patients (62.9%). The lesion of MRI related to lateral ankle instability were identified in all patients. Conclusion: This study noted a high incidence of lateral ankle instability that was identified by MRI in the patients of proximal fifth metatarsal fracture. Aggressive treatment for lateral ankle instability should be needed for complications as proximal fifth metatarsal fracture to reduce the recurrence and occurrence.

• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.24-28
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• 2014

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the clinical and radiographic results of internal fixation using multiple Kirschner wires (K-wires) for the fifth metatarsal base fracture. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 14 patients with a displaced fifth metatarsal base fracture. We measured the distance of fracture displacement on the foot oblique radiograph pre- and post-operatively. We evaluated the clinical results using the visual analog pain scale at six weeks and three months postoperatively and the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) mid-foot score at six months postoperatively. Results: In our series, 10 cases were zone I fracture and four cases were zone II fracture. We achieved anatomical reduction and bony union in all of our cases. The average time to bone union was 43 days. The degree of pain around the fifth metatarsal base was significantly decreased after surgery. The average AOFAS score was 95 at six months postoperatively. Conclusion: Multiple K-wire fixation is a relatively simple fixation method for displaced fifth metatarsal base fractures. If we place a K-wire into the medial cortex of the fifth metatarsal, we could prevent proximal migration of the K-wire.

• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
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• v.8 no.1
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• pp.92-96
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• 2004

Purpose: To analyze the clinical and radiological results of the operative treatment in the avulsion fracture on the base of the fifth metatarsal. Materials and Methods: We studied retrospectively, 11 patients of avulsion fracture on the base of the fifth metatarsal operated and followed over 1 year, from February 2000 to May 2002. There were eight men and three women and the average age was 39 years old. The mean follow up period was 14 months. Ten cases were slip-down and one case was fall from a height injuries. We used the modified Foot Score by Wiener for the clinical evaluation, and analyzed the time of union and state of reduction radiologically. Results: In clinical results, we had ten excellent and one good cases by the modified Foot Score at last follow-up. In radiologic results, the complete bony union was achieved in all cases and the duration of the bony union was 37 days in average. Conclusion: We had good result for the avulsion fractures on the base of the fifth metatarsal treated by the operation. This study shows the operation was recommended for the moderate and severe displacement of the avulsion fractures on the base of the fifth metatarsal.

• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
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• v.15 no.1
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• pp.18-21
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• 2011

Purpose: To evaluate the clinical and radiological results of internal fixation with tension band wiring for the fracture at the base of fifth metatarsal bone. Materials and Methods: From January 2008 to December 2009, 15 cases with displaced fracture at the base of fifth metatarsal were analyzed and average follow up period was 13.8 months. Lawrence classification was used to classify fracture type. We evaluated clinical results by American Orthopedic Foot Ankle Society (AOFAS) midfoot score and radiological results by union time. Complications was also checked. Results: According to classification, zone I fracture were 11 cases and zone II fracture were 4 cases. Bony union was achieved in all cases after 7 weeks. In the final follow-up, average AOFAS score was 94. There were no complications except hardware irritation. Conclusion: Satisfactory results were obtained after tension band wiring for the fifth Metatarsal base fracture in zone I fracture or comminuted zone II fracture for which it is not easy to be fixed with screw.

• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.1-10
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• 2013

The bunionette, or a 'tailor's bunion', is a lateral bony prominence of the fifth metatarsal head. A bony deformity itself rarely causes symptom but if a painful inflammation of the overlying soft tissue is accompanied, it needs treatment. Conservative care using a shoe modification, padding, or orthosis is effective in most cases. Surgical management is indicated when the conservative methods have failed to improve symptoms, and the techniques include exostectomy, metatarsal osteotomies (distal, diaphyseal, or proximal), metatarsal head resection or fifth ray resection. We reviewed the etiology, clinical features, radiographic classification, nonoperative and operative treatments of the bunionette.

• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
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• v.12 no.2
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• pp.189-196
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• 2008

Purpose: Nonunions and delayed unions are possible complications of fractures of fifth metatarsal base. We tried to report the results of the surgical treatment, which is not prevalent yet. Materials and Methods: Retrospective study of thirty nine patients undergoing operation at our institution between 2003 and 2008 was conducted. Six patients were excluded with loss of follow up before bony union, multiple trauma, pediatric fractures, stress fracture, open fracture. There were 18 males and 15 females with 45.1 years old mean age. The average follow-up period was 18.3 months. We used a midfoot scoring system of AOFAS for clinical assessment and radiologic findings to evaluate bony union, alignment. Results: According to Lawrence's classification, Zone 1 fractures were thirteen and Zone 2 were twenty. Average AOFAS score was 93.61. Conclusion: Early operative treatment with cannulated screw fixation in fractures of the fifth metatarsal base is thought to be an useful and easy treatment option with faster rates of union.

• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
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• v.12 no.2
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• pp.185-188
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• 2008

Purpose: Zone I fractures of the fifth metatarsal bone can generally be treated by conservative methods while both surgical and conservative methods are used for zone II fractures. However, the clinical results of conservative treatment have been rarely reported. The purpose of this study is to report the clinical results of conservative treatment for zone I and II nondisplaced fractures. Materials and Methods: Between July 2007 and August 2008, consecutive thirty seven patients (38 fractures) with zone I and II fractures of the fifth metatarsal bone were treated with tolerable weight bearing and minimum duration of immobilization based on pain on weight bearing. We evaluated the duration of immobilization, time to clinical and radiographic union, and time to pre-injury activity level. Results: Clinical and radiological union were achieved in all patients without any complications including malunion or nonunion. The mean duration of immobilization was 28.7 days. The mean 33.1 days and 48.9 days were required for clinical union and radiographic union respectively, after the initial injury. The mean time to pre-injury activity level was 4.8 months. Conclusion: Our study shows that the acute nondisplaced zone I, II fracture of fifth metatarsal bone can be treated effectively using tolerable weight bearing and minimum duration of immobilization, which is based on the pain on weight bearing.

• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
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• v.4 no.1
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• pp.44-47
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• 2000

Freiberg's infarction involving the fifth metatarsal head is very rare condition. The authors experienced a case of avascular necrosis of the fifth metatarsal head and base of the proximal phalanx in a 27-year-old female patient. Involved bones were excised and internally fixed with 2 K-wires after autogenous cancellous bone grafting. Pain was relieved, and an excellent clinical result was obtained at the follow-up examination six months after the surgery.