Displaced spiral fracture 5th metatarsal - surgery? Y/N
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Had a stupid clumsy moment last week and ended up with a mid-shaft 5th metatarsal fracture with slight rotational displacement. I saw an orthopedic surgeon today and he said I can get surgery (he would place pins to straighten out) OR it would likely heal on its own BUT it looks like there would be some shortening of the bone due to the displacement... I don't run or play sports so my first instinct is to avoid surgery if possible but now I'm scared it may not heal properly/may affect me being able to take lengthy walks and hikes. Doc said recovery and NWB time should be about the same either way but after reading some people's stories I'm also wondering if the surgery may end up helping it heal faster... has anyone had a similar injury and any advice on surgery/no surgery? Xray for reference.
0 likes, 3 replies
sandi27417 aimee85349
Edited
oh dear, it is a bear to heal. I was 65 when I had a stress fracture of 5th which was non displaced. My foot ortho recommended a pin right away but I stupidly wanted to see if it would heal. we checked in 4 weeks and no knitting so she popped a pin in which is no big deal and not painful. I was another 4 weeks NWB then in a walking boot for another 4 then back on my horse!! absolutely no issues. I personally would go with surgery however with covid 19 will they do it?
aimee85349 sandi27417
Posted
Oh no, what an ordeal! Thank you so much for sharing your experience, this is so helpful. Not necessarily what i wanted to hear as I wanted to avoid the expense and "scaryness" of surgery, haha, but I think deep down I already knew I should do it. At this point I really just want to do everything I can to heal as soon as possible. Also the Dr made the procedure sound like no big deal but he is the one doing dozens of these so it's definitely more comforting to hear it from someone who actually has been through it! I think I'll call and schedule in the morning, the office is still open and scheduling procedures, thankfully. Thank you again for putting my mind at ease, I'm just jealous I have no horse to get back on afterwards (literally speaking, anyway)! 😃
sandi27417 aimee85349
Posted
it really is not a painful surgery. and who the heck wants to be NWB for 4 weeks then know it did not work. in VA we are now open for elective surgeries starting the 8th. i must say these are awful times to be in a hospital however most Ortho docs have private surgical areas. do let me know and I wish you the best!!