[Surgical treatment of forefoot and midfoot fractures : Minimally invasive fixation of metatarsal fractures].

Objective: Minimally invasive stabilization of metatarsal fractures to enable adequate fracture healing in a correct position to restore anatomy and biomechanics of the foot.

Indications: A. Dislocated diaphyseal and subcapital fractures of the second to fifth metatarsal (> 3 mm, > 10° dislocation). B. Fifth metatarsal fracture at the metadiaphyseal junction (Lawrence and Botte type III).

Contraindications: High grade soft tissue damage or infection at the implant insertion site.

Surgical technique: A. Fluoroscopically assisted closed reduction and antegrade intramedullary fixation of diaphyseal and subcapital fractures of the second to fifth metatarsal. B. Fluoroscopically assisted wire-guided intramedullary screw fixation of fifth metatarsal fractures at the metadiaphyseal junction.

Postoperative management: A. Mobilization with partial weight bearing (20 kg) for 6 weeks wearing a stiff sole; implant removal under local anesthesia after 6-8 weeks, followed by a free range of movement and weight-bearing as tolerated (WBAT). B. Early mobilization with weight-bearing as tolerated (WBAT); removal of the orthosis after 6 weeks, implant removal optional.

Results: A. Antegrade nailing of subcapital and shaft fractures of metatarsals II-V achieves good clinical results with low complication rates both when using prepared Kirschner wires or elastically stable intramedullary nails (ESIN). B. According to current literature, intramedullary screw osteosynthesis of proximal metatarsal V fractures of zone II and III according to Lawrence and Botte leads to faster bony healing with a lower nonunion rate compared with conservative treatment. It is recommended especially, but not only, for active athletes.