ABSTRACT
CONTENTS I. Introduction ................................................................................................................... 165 II. Anatomy......................................................................................................................... 166 III. Mechanism of Injury ...................................................................................................... 166 IV. Radiographic Evaluation................................................................................................ 166 V. Fractures of the First Metatarsal.................................................................................... 167 VI. Fractures of the Lesser Metatarsals................................................................................ 167
A. Shaft Fractures........................................................................................................ 167
B. Fractures of the Proximal Aspect of the Fifth Metatarsal ...................................... 172 VII. Phalangeal Fractures ...................................................................................................... 175
A. Hallucal Fractures................................................................................................... 175
B. Lesser Toe Fractures............................................................................................... 176 VIII. Conclusion...................................................................................................................... 177 References .................................................................................................................................. 177
I. INTRODUCTION
The metatarsals and phalanges are important structural members of the foot. They form what is termed the forefoot and are responsible for the transmission of load and for shock absorption. Injuries to these bones may potentially result in the disruption of these functions, which, in turn, can cause disability if the alterations in the weight-bearing characteristics cause pain. The principles of treatment of fractures to themetatarsals and phalanges center around the concept of restoring the anatomy to normal, or as close to normal as possible, thus minimizing the potential for problems.
