Enhance your skills in the surgical treatment of displaced fifth metatarsal fractures. This procedure demands attention to anatomical reduction to prevent metatarsalgia or gait dysfunction, especially in young patients and athletes. This training details the surgical procedure using a locked plate and screws, with a focus on rapid functional recovery and return to sports activities.

Training Focus:

• Surgical treatment of displaced fifth metatarsal fractures.
• Anatomical reduction and stable fixation with a locked plate.
• Surgical approach and protection of neurovascular structures.

Detailed Content:

• Assessment and Approach Planning: Analysis of radiographs to identify fracture angulation and the potential for impaired weight-bearing, metatarsalgia, or gait dysfunction.
• Neurovascular Identification and Protection: Recognition and anatomical retraction of sensory nerves, veins, and arteries within the surgical field.
• Surgical Approach and Fracture Exposure: Palpation of the fifth metatarsal head and shaft, a single internal scalpel incision, uniform periosteal elevation, and distal extension of the approach if necessary.
• Fracture Reduction and Provisional Stabilization: Identification of fracture vertices, reduction under direct visualization with reduction forceps, and provisional stabilization with Kirschner wires, avoiding the area of the future plate.
• Definitive Fixation with Locked Plate: Positioning of a low-profile mini-fragment plate, use of long screws for adequate load distribution, and reduction of the need for future removal.
• Closure and Results: Layered closure, with markings for an aesthetic outcome. Stable fixation allows early weight-bearing with a rigid-soled shoe.

Included Material:

• Complete Technical PDF: The PDF details the technique of anatomical reduction, provisional stabilization, and definitive fixation using a locked mini-fragment plate and low-profile long screws. Furthermore, the document describes the expected outcomes, such as achieving precise anatomical reduction and stable fixation, which enables early weight-bearing. Layered closure is performed aiming for a superior aesthetic result.

Enhance your skills in the surgical treatment of fifth metatarsal fractures. Enroll now and master the techniques of anatomical reduction and stable fixation.