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5th Metatarsal Fracture

(4 discussions)

On September 3rd 2015 I broke the mid shaft part of my 5th Metatarsal.
By Sept 7 I had surgery, which consisted of Two wires and a pin driving through the ball of my foot to keep the fracture in place.
It has been nearly 8 weeks now and the pin is to be removed Nov. 4.
From what I’ve seen of the X-Rays, no union of the bone seems to have been made, then again I am not a Dr.
My Dr. seems confident that I will be walking in a week or two.
Is this sufficiant healing time and is it common for it to take this long?
2ndly what should I be warey of before I start to take my first steps again?


4 comments

    Avatar

    9 10

    I also broke 5th metatarsal and had surgery to put a pin in, no wires. My surgery was last week and my doctor mentioned a bone growth stimulator might be necessary later. I’m interested in the response you get here.

    Avatar

    9 10

    Well the pin is now out (and hanging on my keychain), the ex-rays still show the crack, but the wires are holding them in place. I should be able to stand in the shower by Nov 7 and taking my first steps on Thursday the 10th. I still am unsure about those ex-rays, I figured I’d see a connection by now, but the Dr. is still confident, maybe I am over analyzing the situation

    Vivian Abrams DPM

    9 10

    All fractures of the 5th metatarsal are NOT created equal. The non-displaced avulsion fracture should heal with cast immobilization. A displaced fracture will likely require surgery. A Jones fracture will almost always require surgery and possibly a bone stimulator. Fractures of the shaft, neck and head are a different story too.

    Avatar

    9 10

    How long does it take for a bone to heal on average. It is the outside metatarsal bone of my left foot that is broken.

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