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Updated: May 28, 2026
Treatment with Locking Intramedullary Nailing for Intertrochanteric Fracture of the Femur Utilizing a New Awl with a Distal Positioner
Published on: June 6, 2025
Interventions for treating proximal fifth metatarsal fractures in adults: a meta-analysis of the current
1School of Allied Health Professions, Faculty of Medicine and Health Science, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK. toby.smith@uea.ac.uk
Background:
This study assessed the clinical and radiological outcomes of different non-surgical interventions, surgical versus non-surgical interventions, and different surgical interventions used in the management of proximal fifth metatarsal fractures.
Methods:
A systematic review of published and unpublished literature was undertaken.
Results:
Six studies, assessing 330 patients and 333 fractures of the proximal fifth metatarsal were reviewed. Four studies assessed outcomes following tuberosity fractures, whilst 2 studies recruited patients following proximal diaphyseal or Jones fractures. The findings suggested that bandage is superior to below knee cast immobilisation for patient-reported functional and pain scores, with no difference in fracture union or re-fracture, and a shorter duration to return to work. There was no significant difference in complication rates or functional outcomes for patients managed in a plaster slipper compared to a bandage post-injury. When comparing surgical and non-surgical management, intramedullary screw fixation results in a shorter time to fracture union, reduced complication rates and earlier return to pre-injury activities compared to non-surgical cast immobilisation. However, the evidence-base is limited in it size and presented with a number of methodological limitations.
Conclusions:
Further well-conducted randomised controlled trials are required to determine the optimal management strategy for the different types of proximal fifth metatarsal fractures.
