The x-ray revealed that the patient had a nondisplaced fracture at the base of the fifth metatarsal (also known as a dancer’s fracture). Most metatarsal fractures involve the fifth metatarsal and include avulsion fractures at the base, as seen in this patient. Fractures of the first through fourth metatarsals are less common. Diagnosis is based on the mechanism of injury/type of overuse activity and the radiographic appearance.
Treatment depends on the type of fracture. Most metatarsal fractures at the base have a good prognosis; however Jones fractures—an acute diaphyseal fracture of the fifth metatarsal—have a high rate of non-union.
In this case, the physician prescribed a walking boot with ambulation for 4 weeks. If the avulsion fracture had been displaced, however, the patient would have been referred to an orthopedist.
Photos and text for Photo Rounds Friday courtesy of Richard P. Usatine, MD. This case was adapted from: Chumley H. Metatarsal fracture. In: Usatine R, Smith M, Mayeaux EJ, et al, eds. Color Atlas of Family Medicine. 2nd ed. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill; 2013:611-614.
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