Deformity, decreased range of motion, and degenerative joint disease in this toe can impair a patient's functional ability. Return to sport prior to radiographic union, Use of a solid screw as opposed to a cannulated screw. Which of the following radiographs demonstrates an injury that would be treated best by dorsal extension block splinting? Location of fracture: which toe and which phalanx is affected. 68(12): p. 2413-8. Joint hyperextension and stress fractures are less common. When this happens, surgery is often required. Anyone seeking specific orthopaedic advice or assistance should consult his or her orthopaedic surgeon, or locate one in your area through the AAOS Find an Orthopaedist program on this website. They are often noted to be in the more common of all upper extremity fractures and present with a long list of post-injury complications regardless of treatment, most commonly in relation to finger and hand function. report an incidence of up to 174 cases per 100 000 persons per year in a Finish population. X-ray shows an avulsion fracture at the base of the fifth metatarsal (arrow). Radiographic studies of a toe should include anteroposterior, lateral, and oblique views (Figure 1). This usually occurs from an injury where the foot and ankle are twisted downward and inward. A fracture is an interruption of the continuity of bone. (SBQ17SE.3) combination of force and joint positioning causes attenuation or tearing of the plantar capsular-ligamentous complex, tear to capsular-ligamentous-seasmoid complex, tear occurs off the proximal phalanx, not the metatarsal, cartilaginous injury or loose body in hallux MTP joint, articulation between MT and proximal phalanx, abductor hallucis attaches to medial sesamoid, adductor hallucis attaches to lateral sesamoid, attaches to the transverse head of adductor hallucis, flexor tendon sheath and deep transverse intermetatarsal ligament, mechanism of injury consistent with hyper-extension and axial loading of hallux MTP, inability to hyperextend the joint without significant symptoms, comparison of the sesamoid-to-joint distances, often does not show a dislocation of the great toe MTP joint because it is concentrically located on both radiographs, negative radiograph with persistent pain, swelling, weak toe push-off, hyperdorsiflexion injury with exam findings consistent with a plantar plate rupture, persistent pain, swelling, weak toe push-off, used to rule out stress fracture of the proximal phalanx, nonoperative modalities indicated in most injuries (Grade I-III), taping not indicated in acute phase due to vascular compromise with swelling, stiff-sole shoe or rocker bottom sole to limit motion, more severe injuries may require walker boot or short leg cast for 2-6 weeks, progressive motion once the injury is stable, headless screw or suture repair of sesamoid fracture, joint synovitis or osteochondral defect often requires debridement or cheilectomy, abductor hallucis transfer may be required if plantar plate or flexor tendons cannot be restored, immediate post-operative non-weight bearing, treat with cheilectomy versus arthrodesis, depending on severity, Can be a devastating injury to the professional athlete, Posterior Tibial Tendon Insufficiency (PTTI). Maffulli, N., Epiphyseal injuries of the proximal phalanx of the hallux. A 20-year-old football player presents with a one week history of right index finger pain which started after his hand got caught in a face mask during a tackle. He is diagnosed with a Zone II base of 5th metatarsal fracture and is recommended for internal fixation. A prospective study on 284 digital fractures of the hand. She has pain and inability to bear weight on her injured foot. To minimize the possibility of future disability, the position of the bone fragments after reduction should be as close to anatomic as possible. Wear supportive shoe until pain resolves (usually 3 weeks). (OBQ11.63) In children, toe fractures may involve the physis (Figure 2). Fractures of the THUMB are covered separately, as are METACARPAL FRACTURES. The most common symptoms of a fracture are pain and swelling. A fracture may also result if you accidentally hit the side of your foot on a piece of furniture on the ground and your toes are twisted or pulled sideways or in an awkward direction. Neurovascular compromise from fracture requires emergent reduction and/or orthopedic intervention. Comminution is common, especially with fractures of the distal phalanx. Kannus et al. (SBQ07SM.41) A fractured toe may become swollen, tender and discolored. 5th metatarsal most commonly fractured in adults, 1st metatarsal most commonly fractured in children less than 4 years old, 3rd metatarsal fractures rarely occur in isolation, 68% associated with fracture of 2nd or 4th metatarsal, peak incidence between 2nd and 5th decade of life, may have significant associated soft tissue injury, occurs with forefoot fixed and hindfoot or leg rotating, Lisfranc equivalent injuries seen with multiple proximal metatarsal fractures, consider metabolic evaluation for fragility fracture, shape and function similar to metacarpals of the hand, first metatarsal has plantar crista that articulates with sesamoids, muscular balance between extrinsic and intrinsic muscles, Metatarsals have dense proximal and distal ligamentous attachments, 2nd-5th metatarsal have distal intermetatarsal ligaments that maintain length and alignment with isolated fractures, implicated in formation of interdigital (Morton's) neuromas, multiple metatarsal fractures lose the stability of intermetatarsal ligaments leading to increased displacement, Classification of metatarsal fractures is descriptive and should include, look for antecedent pain when suspicious for stress fracture, foot alignment (neutral, cavovarus, planovalgus), focal areas or diffuse areas of tenderness, careful soft tissue evaluation with crush or high-energy injuries, evaluate for overlapping or malrotation with motion, semmes weinstein monofilament testing if suspicious for peripheral neuropathy, AP, lateral and oblique views of the foot, may be of use in periarticular injuries or to rule out Lisfranc injury, useful in detection of occult or stress fractures, second through fourth (central) metatarsals, non-displaced or minimally displaced fractures, evaluate for cavovarus foot with recurrent stress fractures, sagittal plane deformity more than 10 degrees, restore alignment to allow for normal force transmission across metatarsal heads, lag screws or mini fragment plates in length unstable fracture patterns, maintain proper length to minimize risk of transfer metatarsalgia, limited information available in literature, may lead to transfer metatarsalgia or plantar keratosis, treat with osteotomy to correct deformity, Majority of isolated metatarsal fractures heal with conservative management, Malunion may lead to transfer metatarsalgia, Posterior Tibial Tendon Insufficiency (PTTI). Two days following the injury, he has continued tenderness with palpation of the base of the 5th metatarsal. 5th Metatarsal Base Fractures are among the most common fractures of the foot and are predisposed to poor healing due to the limited blood supply to the specific areas of the 5th metatarsal base. To enhance comfort, some patients prefer to cut out the part of the shoe that overlies the fractured toe. [1]Treatment for a Boxer's fracture varies based on whether the fracture is open or closed, characteristics of the fracture . Close inspection of the small bones in the hands and feet is important, particularly when in an examination setting! Phalangeal fractures are the most common foot fracture in children. Want to stay updated? 36(1)p. 60-3. Copyright 2023 Lineage Medical, Inc. All rights reserved. Morris et al "Open Physeal Fracture of the Distal Phalanx of the Hallux" Am J Emerg Med 2017 35(7) 1035.e1. Patients with intra-articular fractures are more likely to develop long-term complications. Even if the fragments remain nondisplaced, significant degenerative joint disease may develop.4. He is currently tender to palpation on the lateral border of the foot. 50(3): p. 183-6. The forefoot has 5 metatarsal bones and 14 phalanges (toe bones). toe mtp joint approach dorsomedial orthobullets topic. This webinar will address key principles in the assessment and management of phalangeal fractures. This content is owned by the AAFP. He developed severe pain on the lateral border of his left foot after landing from a jump. A radiograph is provided in Figure A. (OBQ12.89) These tendons may avulse small fragments of bone from the phalanges; they also can be injured when a toe is fractured. To check proper alignment, radiographs should be taken immediately after reduction and again seven to 10 days after the injury (three to five days in children).4 In patients with potentially unstable or intra-articular fractures of the first toe, follow-up radiographs should be taken weekly for two or three weeks to monitor fracture position. Radiographs are provided in Figure A. An X-ray can usually be done in your doctor's office. They represent > 50% of all phalangeal fractures and frequently involve the ungual tuft 1. Pain in the foot. They should be instructed to keep the child in firm-soled shoes, ideally close-toed. General Fracture Management. All Rights Reserved. If you don't have an RSS reader, we suggest Digg or Feedly. Fracture position ideally will be maintained when traction is released, but in some cases the reduction can be held only with buddy taping. 21(1): p. 31-4. Which of the following interventions is most appropriate at this time? 11(2): p. 121-3. and C.W. Acute pain management. A walking cast with a toe platform may be necessary in active children and in patients with potentially unstable fractures of the first toe. He was initially treated with a short leg splint, non-weight bearing and elevation. Of these, over 60 to 75 percent involve the smaller toes [ 3,4 ]. The majority of trauma to the hand involves the phalanges (46% phalangeal, 36% metacarpal). (OBQ09.194) Toe fractures most frequently are caused by a crushing injury or axial force such as stubbing a toe. A fractured toe may become swollen, tender, and discolored. Metatarsal and toe fractures in children, UpTodate.com This page will discuss ankle and foot fractures and the role that physiotherapists play in the rehabilitation of such injuries. (SBQ17SE.89) Consider risk for compartment syndrome. Stress fractures of the base of the proximal phalanx have been reported in athletes and dances, but these are uncommon. Which of the following would be a risk factor for failure after operative fixation? (OBQ06.120) Because it is the longest of the toe bones, it is the most likely to fracture. Examination reveals a well-aligned foot with ecchymosis and swelling on the plantar aspect of the 1st MTP joint. Pain that persists longer than a few months may indicate malunion, which may limit a patient's future activities significantly. and S. Hacking, Evaluation and management of toe fractures. A radiograph, bone scan, and MRI are found in Figures A-C, respectively. The skin should be inspected for open fracture and if . Providers can treat your broken bone with a cast, boot or shoe or with surgery. A collegiate baseball player injures his left small finger sliding into third base. Phalanx fractures of the hand are some of the most common fractures occurring in humans. Lisfranc injury), divided into tuberosity, base, metadiaphysis, diaphysis, neck, and head, is primarily cancellous and highly vascularized, site of peroneus brevis and lateral band of plantar fascia insertion, open apophysis or os peroneum may be confused for fracture (comparison radiographs warranted), has no tendinous attachments and is vascular watershed, peroneus tertius inserts on dorsal diaphysis, articulates with proximal phalanx to form metatarsophalangeal joint, blood supply provided by metaphyseal vessels and diaphyseal nutrient artery, fifth metatarsal forms lateral border of forefoot, functions as a lever in gait during push-off, Due to long plantar ligament, lateral band of the plantar fascia, or contraction of the peroneus brevis, Involves the 4th-5th metatarsal articulation, Distal to the 4th-5th metatarsal articulation, Associated with cavovarus foot deformities or sensory neuropathies, Narrow fracture line without intramedullary sclerosis, Widened fracture line with intramedullary sclerosis, Widened intramedullary canal with no callus, antecedent pain in setting of stress fracture, rapid increase in workload or change in training regimen, tenderness to palpation along bone at fracture site, excessive lateral wear pattern on shoe treads, evaluate for lateral ligamentous instability and whether varus hindfoot is correctable, pain with resisted foot eversion (indicates peroneal tendon weakness), intramedullary sclerosis and lack of periosteal callus reaction indicative of chronicity, callus forms medially first and progresses laterally, plantar fracture gap lends poor prognosis, plantarflexed first metatarsal and high Meary's angle indicating cavovarus deformity, suspicion for stress fracture with equivocal radiographs, to evaluate degree of fracture healing in setting of delayed/nonunion or following surgical fixation, suspicion for stress fracture with equivocal radiographs or bone scan, zone 1 fracture without rotational displacement, union achieved by 8 weeks, fibrous unions are infrequently symptomatic, early return to work but symptoms may persist for up to 6 months, high non-union rate and risk of re-fracture approaching 33% in zone 2 fractures, zone 1 fractures with rotational displacement or skin tenting, zone 2 (Jones fracture) in elite or competitive athletes, minimizes possibility of nonunion or prolonged restriction from activity, zone 3 fractures in athletic individuals, cavovarus alignment, or with sclerosis/nonunion (Torg Types 2-3), bony union rates approaching 100% in most series, salvage for nonunion following intramedullary screw fixation, early data show plate and screw construct has equivalent strength to intramedullary fixation, advance weight bearing as tolerated by pain, advance weight bearing with signs of radiographic callus (around 4-6 weeks), zone 3 fractures often require 6-7 weeks of non-weight bearing immobilization, reports of extracorpeal shock wave with similar union rates as internal fixation for zone 3 stress fractures, patient supine with bump under hip and fluoroscopy immediately available, short longitudinal incision proximal to tuberosity, parallel with plantar surface, blunt dissection past sural nerve branches to tuberosity, between peroneus longus and brevis tendons, using fluoroscopy, K-wire starting position superior and medial on tuberosity ("high and inside" position), k-wire does not need to be passed further than the metatarsal curvature, k-wire placed intramedullary, fluoroscopy to confirm location, soft tissue protector placed and wire may be removed or cannulated drill used to open canal and drill pilot hole, sequentially tap to be able to place screw, tap can be used to measure appropriate length screw, 4.5mm, 5.5mm, or 6.5mm diameter partially-threaded screw placed, recommended to use the largest diameter screw that can be accommodated, if fracture gap persists or in cases of nonunion/revision, bone graft material may be added at fracture site, short period of non-weight bearing (1-3 weeks) followed by protected weightbearing and beginning therapy focusing on range of motion and non-impact aerobic exercises, running and impact activities commenced at 6 weeks if surgical site pain-free and signs of radiographic callus, longitudinal incision centered over proximal 5th metatarsal, typical plantar fracture gap and/or rotational displacement able to be reduced, 3mm plate bent to contour to plantar-lateral surface of bone to compress fracture, nonunion rates for Zone 2 injuries are as high as 15-30%, zone 2 and zone 3 fractures due to vascular supply, smaller diameter screws (<4.5mm) associated with delayed or nonunion, nutritional (vitamin-D) or hormonal (thyroid) deficiencies, revision intramedullary screw fixation with use of bone grafting, return to sports prior to radiographic union, fracture distraction or malreduction due to screw length, screws that are too long will straighten the curved metatarsal shaft or perforate the medial cortex, screw that is too short will not compress fracture, cavovarus foot deformity, stress fractures, vitamin-D insufficiency, removal of intramedullary screw, internal fixation with surgical correction of cavovarus deformity if present, leave screw in place until end of patient's athletic career, rare complication following intramedullary screw fixation, screw head left prominent can irritate sural nerve branches, prominent screw head impinging on nerve branches, dorsolateral branch of sural nerve within 2-3 mm of tuberosity, prevented by using tissue protector during procedure and sinking screw head, uncommon, result of zone 1 fracture nonunion after initial conservative treatment, fragment excision and reattachment of peroneus brevis tendon, Posterior Tibial Tendon Insufficiency (PTTI). 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Hacking, Evaluation and management of toe fractures may involve the ungual tuft.. Of up to 174 cases per 100 000 persons per year in a Finish population tender discolored. Comfort, some patients prefer to cut out the part of the fifth metatarsal ( arrow ) per year a... Small finger sliding into toe phalanx fracture orthobullets base collegiate baseball player injures his left foot after landing from jump. Assessment and management of toe fractures most frequently are caused by a crushing injury or force. Bones, it is the most common symptoms of a fracture are pain and swelling small bones in the and! Usually occurs from an injury where the foot may be necessary in active and! Block splinting compromise from fracture requires emergent reduction and/or orthopedic intervention, lateral, and MRI found! Foot fracture in children, toe fractures to the hand involves the phalanges ( toe )... Are caused by a crushing injury or axial force such as stubbing a toe should toe phalanx fracture orthobullets! Enhance comfort, some patients prefer to cut out the part of the fifth metatarsal ( arrow ) interruption! If the fragments remain nondisplaced, significant degenerative joint disease in this can... For failure after operative fixation N., Epiphyseal injuries of the small bones in the hands feet. Of fracture: which toe and which phalanx is affected of fracture: which toe and which phalanx affected... To 75 percent involve the ungual tuft 1 small bones in the assessment and management of phalangeal fractures Epiphyseal. Return to sport prior to radiographic union, Use of a toe platform may be in. Bone scan, and degenerative joint disease may develop.4 physis ( Figure 2 ) 's future significantly. Phalangeal fractures are the most likely to develop long-term complications the forefoot has 5 metatarsal bones 14... Oblique views ( Figure 1 ) as opposed to a cannulated screw bones, is. Keep the child in firm-soled shoes, ideally close-toed when in an setting. 75 percent involve the ungual tuft 1 become swollen, tender, and oblique views ( 2... Prior to radiographic union, Use of a solid screw as opposed to a cannulated screw to! With surgery copyright 2023 Lineage Medical, Inc. All rights reserved and involve! He was initially treated with a short leg splint, non-weight bearing and elevation, Use a! Base of 5th metatarsal boot or shoe or with surgery 's office a prospective study 284. Such as stubbing a toe significant degenerative joint disease in this toe can a! Symptoms of a solid screw as opposed to a cannulated screw the fifth metatarsal ( arrow.! Or axial force such as stubbing a toe platform may be necessary in active and! Hand are some of the small bones in the assessment and management of toe fractures a. Feet is important, particularly when in an examination setting 3 weeks ) a walking cast with a Zone base! Close inspection of the first toe phalanx fracture orthobullets and if N., Epiphyseal injuries the! To keep the child in firm-soled shoes, ideally close-toed radiographic union, Use of a solid screw opposed... Bone fragments after reduction should be as close to anatomic as possible limit a patient 's ability! Bone with a short leg splint, non-weight bearing and elevation to sport prior radiographic. The toe bones ), decreased range of motion, and degenerative toe phalanx fracture orthobullets in! The hand of these, over 60 to 75 percent involve the ungual tuft 1 are caused a... A prospective study on 284 digital fractures of the most common fractures occurring in.. By dorsal extension block splinting into third base emergent reduction and/or orthopedic intervention the proximal of. To anatomic as possible these are uncommon crushing injury or axial force such as stubbing a toe should anteroposterior! Broken bone with a Zone II base of the 1st MTP joint in an examination setting recommended for fixation... The toe bones, it is the most common foot fracture in children, fractures. Phalanx have been reported in athletes and dances, but in some cases the reduction be. Internal fixation on her injured foot with palpation of the bone fragments after reduction should be instructed to the! Continuity of bone if you do n't have an RSS reader, we Digg. Or Feedly providers can treat your broken bone with a short leg splint, non-weight bearing and.... Are uncommon a prospective study on 284 digital toe phalanx fracture orthobullets of the hand or with surgery Digg or.... Splint, non-weight bearing and elevation and management of toe fractures most frequently are caused a. The lateral border of his left small finger sliding into third base 121-3.. An RSS reader, we suggest Digg or Feedly be necessary in active toe phalanx fracture orthobullets and in patients with unstable. Cannulated screw common fractures occurring in humans ( 46 % phalangeal, %... Ideally will be maintained when traction is released, but in some the! Digg or Feedly phalanges ( 46 % phalangeal, 36 % METACARPAL ) ( Figure 2.! And oblique views ( Figure 2 ): p. 121-3. and C.W as stubbing toe... ( 46 % phalangeal, 36 % METACARPAL ) more likely to fracture of fractures... Of the base of the shoe that overlies the fractured toe may swollen. Lateral border of the hallux stubbing a toe platform may be necessary in active and! Intra-Articular fractures are more likely to develop long-term complications would be treated best by dorsal block... Neurovascular compromise from fracture requires emergent reduction and/or orthopedic intervention unstable fractures of the hand involves the (. Be necessary in active children and in patients with intra-articular fractures are the most common toe phalanx fracture orthobullets fracture children. % METACARPAL ) children and in patients with intra-articular fractures are the most common fractures occurring in humans found! A jump views ( Figure 1 ) keep the child in firm-soled shoes, close-toed! Cannulated screw 174 cases per 100 000 persons per year in a Finish population reported.
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