Injury
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study
Comparison of clinical and radiologic outcomes between non-operative and operative treatment in 5th metatarsal base fractures (Zone 1).
The treatment of Zone 1 fractures of the 5th metatarsal base with >2mm of displacement remains controversial. We prospectively analyzed 29 patients with 5th metatarsal base fractures (Zone 1) during 2009-2014. Radiography was performed to assess the degree of fracture gap and metatarsal length. ⋯ Visual analog scale (VAS) score and American orthopedic foot and ankle society (AOFAS) score were obtained at the initial consult and at the last follow-up after treatment; change of the 5th metatarsal length was also measured at the initial consult and after complete bony union. Our study demonstrated that radiographic union of all cases was observed with a significant decrease in VAS and AOFAS scores, regardless of the initial fracture gap and type of management. Additionally, there was no difference seen in final VAS scores for patients with longer metatarsals when compared to those in whom the metatarsals were unchanged or shortened.