Metatarsal Neck Fracture

What are Metatarsal Neck Fractures

Injuries of these metatarsals usually occur as fractures of the neck region, shaft fractures or stress fractures.

Metatarsal neck fractures often affect more than one metatarsal bone and are caused by dropping a weight on the instep, kicking or loading when on tiptoe

Causes of Metatarsal Neck Fractures

Trauma (generally something heavy landing on the toe or kicking an immovable object)

Treatment of Metatarsal Neck Fractures

Non-displaced fractures 

A non-displaced fracture is a fracture where the two ends of the bone are still well aligned.

Initial management of non- displaced metatarsal neck fracture will involve immobilisation generally in a CAM walker

Initial follow-up should occur within one to two weeks, then every two to four weeks for a total healing time of four to six weeks.

Call The Foot and Ankle Centre for further advice on professional management and treatment options.

Displaced fractures

A displaced fracture is a fracture where the two ends of the bone are no longer aligned.

Call The Foot and Ankle Centre for further advice on professional management and treatment options.

Referral to an orthopaedic foot and ankle surgeon

Although referral rarely is required for patients with fractures of the metatarsals referral is recommended for patients with open fractures, severely displaced fractures,  fracture-dislocations, displaced intra-articular fractures, and fractures that are difficult to reduce.

Referral is recommended for children with fractures involving the apophysis.

Complications of Metatarsal Neck fractures

A complication of Metatarsal neck fracture is persistent pain.

If the fracture is intra-articular, this can result in degenerative joint disease.

The Ankle and Foot Centre’s Northcote Podiatrists can help you with all lower limb complaints, including metatarsal fractures . Make an appointment to get your foot and ankle pain under control.