title: Fifth metatarsal fractures in the athlete: evidence for management.
abstract: Shortest time to union, and to return to sporting activity, are the goals of management of fifth metatarsal fractures in the athlete. Whereas zone 1 injuries are largely treated conservatively, zone 2 and 3 injuries are best treated with surgical fixation in athletes, most commonly with intramedullary screw fixation. Fixation with the addition of bone graft has also yielded good results. In the chronic setting, good results have been shown with intramedullary screw fixation, surgical debridement and bone grafting alone, and tension band wiring. Shock wave therapy and pulsed electromagnetic fields may have a place in chronic and acute injury.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedics, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, 11 Jalan Tan Tock Seng, Singapore 308433. xanthus23@hotmail.com
authors.forename: Gowreeson
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Thevendran
authors.forename: Rupinderbir Singh
authors.initials: RS
authors.lastname: Deol
authors.forename: James D F
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Calder
mesh_terms: D056352:Athletes; D001265:Athletic Injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000379:methods*; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000601:surgery*; D015775:Fractures, Stress / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008682:Metatarsal Bones / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery; D016896:Treatment Outcome