PROGRESS IN ORTHOPEDIC SURGERY FOR 1944 A REVIEW PREPARED BY AN EDITORIAL BOARD OF THE AMERICAN ACADEMY OF ORTHOPAEDIC SURGEONS

Abstract

Dew and Wooten122present a series of 58 march fractures of the metatarsal bones involving 55 trainees. The majority of patients failed to disclose any preexisting pathologic condition of the feet. March fractures are attributable to the carrying of heavy full field equipment and marching of distances longer than 6 miles (9.6 km.) on a hard surfaced road. Local treatment of mild fractures consists in the use of an ice bag for seventy-two hours, a whirlpool bag, a daily massage and crutches; moderate weight bearing within pain limit is allowed. Splinting of any form is not advised because of the ensuing stiffness of the foot and the increasing morbidity. The prophylactic measures advanced by the authors have materially lowered the high incidences of march fracture. They recommend gradual lengthening of the march, progressive increase of field equipment and, what is most important, marching on the soft shoulders of the