Anatomical Features of Proximal Fifth Metatarsal Fracture: A Radiographic Study

Abstract

Abstract Background The existing study is not in-depth enough to address the high risk of fifth metatarsal proximal fracture nonunion. The purpose of this study was to investigate basic anatomical structure characteristics of the fifth metatarsal and to provide a clinical anatomical basis for the prevention and treatment of basal fractures of the fifth metatarsal. Methods Medical records were obtained and retrospectively reviewed to determine the differences in foot type and metatarsal morphology between fractured and non-fractured participants. Some related indicators of the fifth metatarsal were measured and analyzed anatomical data for clinical support. Results Seventy normal metatarsals and one hundred and twenty-three patients were included in the analysis. In comparison between normal and proximal fractures of the fifth metatarsal, we found that there was a significant difference in the lateral separation angle on the foot oblique radiographs (P < 0.05). In addition, in fractures, there was no difference between different injured areas. All lengths except the length of interface between fifth metatarsal and fourth metatarsal had statistical difference between men and women in gender (P < 0.05), and there were statistical differences in the contact length of joint surface between fifth metatarsal and dice (P < 0.05), the length of interface between fifth metatarsal and fourth metatarsal (P < 0.05), the width of the fifth metatarsal (P < 0.05) and the fifth metatarsophalangeal angle (P < 0.05) on the measurement side. Conclusion In the prevention of proximal fifth metatarsal fractures, special attention should be paid to the prevention of left foot and the recovery of lateral separation angle. In addition, due to differences in length, auxiliary supports and screws should be used longer in males than in females during treatment.