SEARCH KNOWLEDGE BASE: 10.000 Q&A

Closed displaced 1st metatarsal

(2 discussions)

I broke my 1st metatarsal on my left foot almost three weeks ago. My doctor (general practice) took x-rays and felt that I might require surgery and suggested I go to Florida (I live in the Bahamas) and have a Orthopaedic Surgeon look at it. The Orthopaedic Surgeon looked at the x-rays and said all I needed was a cast and he would like to see x-rays of my foot in two weeks. I was concerned about how far the bone was pushed down but he said it would be OK. I went back to the islands. I had x-rays taken again yesterday. From the top it looks ligned up. From the side view the the first half of the bone looks in its normal position but the second half is way down and slightly underneath(the fracture is angled back slightly) with only about half to a third of the bones appear to be touching each other.
My doctor(in the islands) was suprised that it was left like that and not realigned and suggested I get a second opinion from another Ortopedic(in the US) which I am doing tomorow. Today I went back to the Orthopedic Surgeon to share my concerns. He didn’t seem to interested in discussing anything with me but said I could get a second opinion. The only information I can find online is from the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons. When they discuss toe and forefoot fractures ‘the bone ends of a displaced fracture must be realigned and the bone kept immobile until healing takes place’. Am I(and my doctor) being overely concerned? How much can the bones be displaced before I should be concerned? I want this to heal quickley and I don’t want to have any problems in the future.
Thank youClay


2 comments

    Avatar

    9 10

    I broke my second madatarsal about 2 week ago on a motorcycle accident, After I went to ER they where not even sure if it was my 1st or my 2nd madatarsal that was broken…then they send me to a podiatrist and he was not sure ither…the weird part is that both doctors said that it was a broke bone…but they didn’t know which one was it, isn’t this weird? so after the second doctor saw my X-RAYS he told me that I didn’t need a CAST and that it would healed by itselft…there is some pain and my foot looks like if there is a huge bone sticking up on top of it…Any suggestions will be greatly appreciate it….
    Thanks

    Vivian Abrams DPM

    9 10

    I am a podiatrist and not an orthopedist. I recommend you see a podiatrist for another opinion. If you have copies of previous x-rays that would be helpful. Good luck.

LEAVE A REPLY

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *