title: Nonoperative treatment of fifth metatarsal fractures in an orthopaedic suburban private multispeciality practice.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The purpose of this study was to review consecutive fifth metatarsal fractures in the author's (KFK) practice from August, 1999, to November, 2003.
  
  
  METHODS
  During this period 64 patients (66 fractures; 35 tuberosity fractures, 10 Jones fractures, three stress fractures, two segmental shaft fractures and 16 oblique distal shaft/neck fractures) were treated nonoperatively. Initial treatment was started from the day of injury to as long as 8 weeks after injury. All patients were treated ambulatory with immediate weightbearing.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The time to bony union averaged 3.7 months. The union rate was 98.5% with a satisfaction rate of 100%.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  By using closed treatment techniques bony union was predictable with minimal cost and a high satisfaction rate. We recommend nonoperative treatment of fifth metatarsal fractures for patients in whom the time to return to full activities is not critical.
authors.affiliation: Advanced Healthcare, Inc., Orthopaedics, N84W16889 Menomonee Ave., Menomonee Falls, WI 53051, USA. kkonke@ah.com
authors.forename: Kurt F
authors.initials: KF
authors.lastname: Konkel
authors.forename: Andrea G
authors.initials: AG
authors.lastname: Menger
authors.forename: Sharon A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Retzlaff
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000628:therapy*; D006123:Group Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008511:Medicine; D008682:Metatarsal Bones / Q000293:injuries*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009985:Orthopedics; D011331:Private Practice; D013038:Specialization; D013383:Suburban Population; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome