Operation
It is crucial for the correct healing of a metatarsal fracture to restore the bone fragments to their original condition. The fracture edges of the bone should be guided exactly towards each other so that the bone can take over the same function after healing and is as stable as before. In many cases, this so-called repositioning of the bones can be done with the help of wires from the outside and no open surgery is performed.
However, if this is not possible, surgery is absolutely necessary to achieve an optimal treatment result. To gain access to the bone fragments, a skin incision is made over the broken bone. Now the careful exposure and repositioning of the bone fragments begins.
In order to ensure that the fragments remain fixed after the operation, the fragments are usually joined together. This can be achieved, for example, by screwing plates together. To ensure that the plates and screws are correctly positioned, X-ray images of the affected area are taken during the operation, which can provide the surgeon with immediate feedback on his or her actions.
In addition to screws and plates, the use of wires can also ensure sufficient stability. The finer details of the individual therapy are often decided during the operation.Once the bony structures of the metatarsus have completely healed, the plates, screws or wires can be removed. However, this procedure requires a further operation.
Depending on the material used, such a removal is more or less complex. Removal of the plates is not always necessary. An individual consultation about the advantages and disadvantages of a removal of the fixation in the individual case is carried out by the treating surgeon.
Whether it is generally advisable to perform an operation or whether simply applying a plaster cast is sufficient depends on the individual situation. The performance of a comprehensive diagnosis and the use of diagnostic imaging instruments has a decisive influence on the recommendation of the treating physician. The prognosis of a metatarsal fracture is usually good.
Due to the specific treatment options for a metatarsal fracture, the various fractures can be treated optimally. In addition, fractures of the metatarsal bones often heal without problems. The risk of infection or post-operative problems are also usually rare.
Since the metatarsal fracture accounts for approximately 1/3 of all foot fractures, it is a common diagnosis in accident surgery, and is not only caused by accidents. Sportsmen and women are particularly often affected by the high stress on the metatarsals. In order to achieve optimal healing and a good result, accurate diagnosis and appropriately adapted therapy is essential.
For this reason, fractures are divided into various groups, according to which the therapy is based. Since the therapeutic options are very good nowadays, the fractures usually heal well and without complications and allow a subsequent full weight bearing.
