Abstract
PurposeOne of the main problems of Kirschner wire fixation of fifth metatarsal base fractures (in combination with a tension band wiring technique) seems to be hardware intolerance and several studies in athletes also report failure after isolated fixation with a screw only. These reports prompted us to look at new materials and a novel technique through fixation with an intramedullary screw combined with a high-resistance suture via the presented F.E.R.I. (Fifth metatarsal, Extra-portal, Rigid, Innovative) technique.MethodsThis cadaveric study describes F.E.R.I. technique. On a cadaver, through two mini portals, a full reduction and solid internal fixation with an intramedullary screw and suture cerclage with Fiberwire of a fifth metatarsal base fracture is achieved. In this article, the cadaveric study and proposed surgical technique are explained and illustrated step by step.ResultsThe presented internal fixation F.E.R.I. technique is indicated in acute proximal fractures, stress fractures or non-union of metatarsal 5 (Zone 2–3 by Lawrence and Botte) and it resulted feasible and stable during manual stress test. The authors intend to study this technique in the clinical setting in the near future.ConclusionsFifth metatarsal base fractures gain specific interest when occurring in athletes. In this group of patients, internal fixation is often required to obtain a satisfactory outcome and time to return to play. The aim of the presented cadaveric study is to illustrate an innovative concept of internal fixation, named F.E.R.I.
Highlights
Sir Robert Jones (Jones 1902), in 1902, first described fractures at the metaphyseal/diaphyseal junction of the fifth metatarsal (MT-5). These make up approximately 70% of all metatarsal fractures (Petrisor et al 2006), both in the general population and in athletes
An indirect force secondary to foot plantar-flexion and inversion - transmitted to the MT-5 by the peroneus brevis and plantar fascia traction (Mayer et al 2014; Glasgow and Naranja Jr 1997) - is the usual mechanism of injury leading to this proximal fracture
After creating a fifth metatarsal base fracture with a 10 mm osteotome, reduction and fixation has been performed under direct visual control
Summary
The cadaveric study and proposed surgical technique are explained and illustrated step by step
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