Proximal diaphyseal fractures of the fifth metatarsal--treatment of the fractures and their complications in athletes.

Twenty-one patients (age range, 15 to 26; 18 patients 15 to 20 years old) had proximal diaphyseal fractures of the fifth metatarsal. Clinical records and radiographs for all patients were available for review. Patient treatment had been individualized and included several methods, including rest, plaster immobilization, and bone grafting. Twenty of the 21 patients were boys or men participating in athletics. Nine of the 21 fractures and 8 of the reinjuries were sustained while playing basketball. Healing required a minimum of 3 months (with bone graft) and some fractures were not radiographically healed at 20 months, although the patients were clinically asymptomatic. The fracture of the proximal shaft of the fifth metatarsal, particularly the 1.5-cm segment distal to the tuberosity, is a troublesome injury in the active athlete. The clinical course does not appear to be influenced by the usual initial conservative treatment modalities, although many of these fractures will heal if the athlete is willing to restrict activities for a prolonged period of time. In this series, bone grafting with a tibial corticocancellous graft after thorough curettage of sclerotic bone obliterating the medullary canal was the most effective treatment modality for delayed union.