| Metatarsal fractures are referred to as long bone | | | | the ankle. |
| fractures. As a long bone, treatment for these types | | | | The Torg classification system is commonly used by |
| of fractures varies depending on the location of the | | | | physicians to determine proper treatment based on |
| fracture and the extent of the damage both to the | | | | radiographic findings. Due to the high rate of |
| bone and to the neurovascular supply to that bone. | | | | nonunions in these type of fractures (caused by the |
| Treatment of these fractures should be individualized, | | | | disruption of the blood supply to the metatarsal |
| based on the patients health status, ambulatory | | | | fracture site), this classification system allows proper |
| needs, and clinical presentation. | | | | treatment based on the severity of the fracture line. |
| Fractures of the fifth metatarsal usually are treated | | | | The Torg system is divided into 3 types of fractures. |
| similarly to other metatarsal fractures. Due to the | | | | Type I and II usually are treated conservatively with |
| increased weight bearing load of the first and fifth | | | | a non-weightbearing cam walker or cast for 6-8 |
| metatarsal bones, extra care should be taken to | | | | weeks. This is followed up with gradual weight |
| ensure adequate alignment, compression of the | | | | bearing in a tall or short walking boot. Some Type II |
| fracture fragment (s) and immobilization to allow | | | | fractures may require surgery depending on the |
| proper bone healing. | | | | patient and activity level (athlete). Type III fractures |
| There are basically four (4) types of 5th metatarsal | | | | usually are displaced fractures (separated) and should |
| fractures. Head & Neck fractures, Midshaft, | | | | be treated surgically with fixation devices to hold the |
| Avulsion, and a unique type of fracture known as a | | | | two bones together. This is followed up with a |
| "Jones Fracture". | | | | non-weight bearing cast or cam walker. |
| A Jones Fracture is a break in the fifth metatarsal | | | | Follow up x-rays are usually taken after the fracture |
| that occurs in-between the mid shaft portion of the | | | | to determine the healing stage of the fracture site. |
| bone and the posterior or base of the metatarsal. | | | | Whatever treatment options are indicated by your |
| This is not to be confused with an "Avulsion | | | | physician, it is important that the patient follow |
| Fracture", where a small piece of bone breaks off | | | | instructions to the letter. Non-unions are very |
| due to the pull of a ligament or tendon. This type of | | | | common with this type of fracture and may result in |
| injury usually is caused by "inversion" or rolling in of | | | | months or years of pain, swelling and disability. |