A study of the fixation for avulsion fractures of the fifth metatarsal bone

Abstract

  Avulsion fracture of the tubercle of the fifth metatarsal bone is called "Geta fracture" in Japan. In this study, we investigated the therapeutic results of fixation using plaster casts in sixteen patients in whom the displacement of the fragment was 1.7 ± 0.8mm（range: 0.3－3.2mm）on X-ray imaging. This method allowed early recovery of weight bearing walking and activities of daily life were not markedly affected by this method. Furthermore, this method may shorten the time required for healing the fracture. Thus, we describe the usefulness of this conservative treatment for avulsion fracture of the fifth metatarsal bone.