The injury
A fracture at a defined point near the base of the fifth metatarsal, in a region of limited blood supply. It occurs in athletes and may follow a single inversion injury or present as a stress fracture.
Treatment
Many unite in a non-weight-bearing cast or boot, but union can be slow and a proportion fail to heal. In athletes, and in cases of delayed union or refracture, intramedullary screw fixation is commonly recommended to provide a more predictable return to activity.
Recovery
After screw fixation, protected weight-bearing in a boot for several weeks, with return to sport guided by radiographic union and symptoms.
Arranging an appointment. Private patients are seen at King Edward VII's Hospital, The London Clinic, Cromwell Hospital and HCA Healthcare at The Shard. NHS patients are seen at King's College Hospital.
Call 020 7046 8004 or send an enquiry.
This page provides general information and is not a substitute for individual assessment.