For several days, it may be painful to bear weight on your injured toe. A fracture of the toe may result from a direct injury, such as dropping a heavy object on the front of your foot, or from accidentally kicking or running into a hard object. Phalangeal fractures are the most common foot fracture in children. The proximal fragment flexes due to interossei, and the distal phalanx extends due to the central slip. Indications for referral of patients with first metatarsal fractures are different because the first metatarsal has a vital role in weight bearing and arch support. The patient notes worsening pain at the toe-off phase of gait. myAO. Epidemiology Incidence What is the optimal treatment for the proximal phalanx fracture shown in Figure A? Most commonly, the fifth metatarsal fractures through the base of the bone. Your doctor will then examine your foot and may compare it to the foot on the opposite side. Proximal articular. Foot fractures are among the most common foot injuries evaluated by primary care physicians. FPnotebook.com is a rapid access, point-of-care medical reference for primary care and emergency clinicians. In children, a physis (i.e., cartilaginous growth center) is present in the proximal part of each phalanx (Figure 2). To minimize the possibility of future disability, the position of the bone fragments after reduction should be as close to anatomic as possible. 11(2): p. 121-3. Radiographs are shown in Figure A. J AmAcad Orthop Surg, 2001. Patients typically present with pain, swelling, ecchymosis, and difficulty with ambulation. Proximal phalanx fractures - displaced or unstable If a proximal phalanx fracture is displaced or if the fracture pattern is unstable it is likely that surgery will be recommended. Copyright 2023 Lineage Medical, Inc. All rights reserved. While on call at the local rural community hospital, you're called by an emergency medicine colleague. The metatarsals are the long bones between your toes and the middle of your foot. Physical examination findings typically include tenderness to palpation, swelling, ecchymosis, and sometimes crepitation at the fracture site. More sensitive than an X-ray, an MRI can detect changes in the bone that may indicate a fracture. Phalanx fractures: The most common foot fractures Phalanx fractures typically occur by crush injury, hyperextension, or direct axial force (eg, stubbing the toe). In children, toe fractures may involve the physis (Figure 2). Hand (N Y). The talus has a head, constricted neck, and body. Metatarsal shaft fractures near the head or base of the first to fourth metatarsal with any degree of displacement or angulation are often associated with concomitant injuries and generally take longer to heal. (Right) X-ray shows a fracture in the shaft of the 2nd metatarsal. Patients with a proximal fifth metatarsal fracture often present after an acute inversion of the foot or ankle. Transverse and short oblique proximal phalanx fractures generally are treated with Kirschner wires, although a stable short oblique transverse shaft fracture can be managed with an intrinsic plus splint. Patients have localized pain, swelling, and inability to bear weight on the lateral aspect of the foot. Stress fractures are typically caused by repetitive activity or pressure on the forefoot. We help you diagnose your Toe fractures case and provide detailed descriptions of how to manage this and hundreds of other pathologies . Follow-up/referral. Hyperflexion or hyperextension injuries most commonly lead to spiral or avulsion fractures. Patients typically present with varying signs and symptoms, the most common being pain and trouble with ambulation. Data Sources: We searched the Cochrane database, Essential Evidence Plus, and PubMed from 1900 to the present, human studies only, using the key words foot fractures, metatarsal, toe, and phalanges fractures. The reduced fracture is splinted with buddy taping. While many Phalangeal fractures can be treated non-operatively, some do require surgery. Phalanx Fractures are common hand injuries that involve the proximal, middle or distal phalanx. Repeat radiography is indicated and should be obtained one week post-fracture if there was intra-articular involvement or if a reduction was required. If you need surgery it is best that this be performed within 2 weeks of your fracture. Referral should be strongly considered for patients with nondisplaced intra-articular fractures involving more than 25 percent of the joint surface (Figure 4).4 These fractures may lose their position during follow-up. Based on the radiographs shown in Figure A, what is the most appropriate next step in treatment? The image shows a diagram of where these bones lie in the footthe midpoint of the proximal phalanges being where to the toes branch off from the main body of the foot. The skin should be inspected for open wounds or significant injury that may lead to skin necrosis. ClinPediatr (Phila), 2011. Lesser toe fractures are about twice as common as great toe fractures.23,24 The great toe has an increased role in weight bearing and balance; thus, injury to the great toe is associated with higher morbidity.6,24, The primary goals of treating toe fractures include reestablishing and maintaining alignment, regaining range of motion, and preventing complications. In children, a physis (i.e., cartilaginous growth center) is present in the proximal part of each phalanx ( Figure 2). Your foot may become swollen and discolored after a fracture. Remodeling of the fracture callus generally produces an almost normal appearance of the bone over a matter of months (Figure 26-36). They most often involve the metatarsals and toes. Flexor and extensor tendons insert at the proximal portions of the middle and distal phalanges. This material may not otherwise be downloaded, copied, printed, stored, transmitted or reproduced in any medium, whether now known or later invented, except as authorized in writing by the AAFP. X-ray shows an avulsion fracture at the base of the fifth metatarsal (arrow). Foot radiography is required if there is pain in the midfoot zone and any of the following: bone tenderness at point C (base of the fifth metatarsal) or D (navicular), or inability to bear weight immediately after the injury and at the time of examination.14 When used properly, the Ottawa Ankle and Foot Rules have a sensitivity of 99% and specificity of 58%, with a positive likelihood ratio of 2.4 and a negative likelihood ratio of 0.02 for detecting fractures. Lgters TT, For athletes and other highly active persons, evidence shows earlier return to activity with surgical management; therefore, surgery is recommended.13,21,22 In contrast, patients treated with nonsurgical techniques should be counseled about longer healing time and the possibility that surgery may be needed despite conservative management.2,13,2022, Patients with fifth metatarsal tuberosity avulsion fractures should be referred to an orthopedist if there is more than 3 mm of displacement, if step-off is greater than 1 to 2 mm on the cuboid articular surface, or if a fragment includes more than 60% of the metatarsal-cuboid joint surface. Patients should be instructed to apply ice, elevate the foot above heart level, and use analgesics as needed. The collateral ligaments and volar plate at the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint stabilize the proximal portion and the extensor tendon pulls the distal fragment into extension. Published studies suggest that family physicians can manage most toe fractures with good results.1,2. Unless it is fairly subtle, rotational deformity should be corrected by further manipulation. Nondisplaced acute metatarsal shaft fractures generally heal well without complications. Even if the fragments remain nondisplaced, significant degenerative joint disease may develop.4. There are 3 phalanges in each toe except for the first toe, which usually has only 2. Following reduction, the nail bed of the fractured toe should lie in the same plane as the nail bed of the corresponding toe on the opposite foot. X-rays. The fractures reviewed in this article are summarized in Table 1. The Ottawa Ankle and Foot Rules should be applied when examining patients with suspected fractures of the proximal fifth metatarsal to help decide whether radiography is needed14 (Figure 815 ). Joint hyperextension and stress fractures are less common. Anyone seeking specific orthopaedic advice or assistance should consult his or her orthopaedic surgeon, or locate one in your area through the AAOS Find an Orthopaedist program on this website. 5th metatarsal most commonly fractured in adults, 1st metatarsal most commonly fractured in children less than 4 years old, 3rd metatarsal fractures rarely occur in isolation, 68% associated with fracture of 2nd or 4th metatarsal, peak incidence between 2nd and 5th decade of life, may have significant associated soft tissue injury, occurs with forefoot fixed and hindfoot or leg rotating, Lisfranc equivalent injuries seen with multiple proximal metatarsal fractures, consider metabolic evaluation for fragility fracture, shape and function similar to metacarpals of the hand, first metatarsal has plantar crista that articulates with sesamoids, muscular balance between extrinsic and intrinsic muscles, Metatarsals have dense proximal and distal ligamentous attachments, 2nd-5th metatarsal have distal intermetatarsal ligaments that maintain length and alignment with isolated fractures, implicated in formation of interdigital (Morton's) neuromas, multiple metatarsal fractures lose the stability of intermetatarsal ligaments leading to increased displacement, Classification of metatarsal fractures is descriptive and should include, look for antecedent pain when suspicious for stress fracture, foot alignment (neutral, cavovarus, planovalgus), focal areas or diffuse areas of tenderness, careful soft tissue evaluation with crush or high-energy injuries, evaluate for overlapping or malrotation with motion, semmes weinstein monofilament testing if suspicious for peripheral neuropathy, AP, lateral and oblique views of the foot, may be of use in periarticular injuries or to rule out Lisfranc injury, useful in detection of occult or stress fractures, second through fourth (central) metatarsals, non-displaced or minimally displaced fractures, evaluate for cavovarus foot with recurrent stress fractures, sagittal plane deformity more than 10 degrees, restore alignment to allow for normal force transmission across metatarsal heads, lag screws or mini fragment plates in length unstable fracture patterns, maintain proper length to minimize risk of transfer metatarsalgia, limited information available in literature, may lead to transfer metatarsalgia or plantar keratosis, treat with osteotomy to correct deformity, Majority of isolated metatarsal fractures heal with conservative management, Malunion may lead to transfer metatarsalgia, Posterior Tibial Tendon Insufficiency (PTTI). Pain that persists longer than a few months may indicate malunion, which may limit a patient's future activities significantly. The "V" sign (arrow) indicates dorsal instability. To control pain and swelling, patients should apply ice and elevate the affected foot for the first few days after the injury. Metatarsal shaft fractures are initially treated with a posterior splint and avoidance of weight-bearing activities; subsequent treatment consists of a short leg walking cast or boot for four to six weeks. Patients with displaced fractures of the first toe often require referral for stabilization of the reduction. Although often dismissed as inconsequential, toe fractures that are improperly managed can lead to significant pain and disability. (OBQ05.226) Diagnosis can be confirmed with orthogonal radiographs of the involve digit. Anteroposterior and oblique radiographs generally are most useful for identifying fractures, determining displacement, and evaluating adjacent phalanges and digits. If you have an open fracture, however, your doctor will perform surgery more urgently. Physical examination should include assessment of capillary refill; delayed capillary refill may indicate circulatory compromise. Copyright 2023 Lineage Medical, Inc. All rights reserved. Three muscles, viz. Author disclosure: No relevant financial affiliations. Application of a gentle axial loading force distal to the injury (i.e., compressing the distal phalanx toward the foot) may distinguish contusions from fractures. A fractured toe may become swollen, tender, and discolored. After that, nonsurgical treatment options include six to eight weeks of short leg nonweight-bearing cast with radiographic follow-up to document healing at six to eight weeks.2,6,20 If evidence of healing is present (callus formation and lack of point tenderness) at that time, weight-bearing activity can progress gradually, along with physical therapy and rehabilitation. Common mechanisms of injury include: Axial loading (stubbing toe) Abduction injury, often involving the 5th digit Crush injury caused by a heavy object falling on the foot or motor vehicle tyre running over foot Less common mechanism: Bite The Bullet, He Needs Long Term Function: Be The Hated Person - Robert Anderson, MD. A proximal phalanx is a bone just above and below the ball of your foot. Toe fractures, especially intra-articular fractures, can result in degenerative joint disease, and osteomyelitis is a potential complication of open fractures. The choice of immobilization device depends on the patient's ability to ambulate with the device with minimal to no pain. During the exam, the doctor will look for: Your doctor will also order imaging studies to help diagnose the fracture. X-rays provide images of dense structures, such as bone. (Kay 2001) Complications: In P_STAR, 2 distraction pins are placed 1.5 cm proximal and distal to the fracture site in clearance of the distal radial physis. Proximal metaphyseal. Common presenting symptoms include bruising, swelling, and throbbing pain that worsens with a dependent position, although this type of pain also may occur with an isolated subungual hematoma. Foot phalanges. Healing time is typically four to six weeks. A fracture may also result if you accidentally hit the side of your foot on a piece of furniture on the ground and your toes are twisted or pulled sideways or in an awkward direction. (Right) An intramedullary screw has been used to hold the bone in place while it heals. This procedure is most often done in the doctor's office. Stress fractures of the base of the proximal phalanx have been reported in athletes and dances, but these are uncommon. If the bone is out of place, your toe will appear deformed. Patients with circulatory compromise require emergency referral. Surgery is required in the case of an open fracture, when there is significant displacement, or instability after reduction. Follow-up visits should be scheduled every two weeks, and healing time varies from four to eight weeks.3,6 Follow-up radiography is typically required only at six to eight weeks to document healing, or earlier if the patient has persistent localized pain or continued painful ambulation at four weeks.2,3,6. Referral is indicated in patients with circulatory compromise, open fractures, significant soft tissue injury, fracture-dislocations, displaced intra-articular fractures, or fractures of the first toe that are unstable or involve more than 25 percent of the joint surface. If this maneuver produces sharp pain in a more proximal phalanx, it suggests a fracture in that phalanx. Fractures in this area can occur anytime there is a break in the compact bone matrix that makes up the proximal phalanx. An unmineralized physis is biomechanically weaker compared with the surrounding ligamentous structures and mature bone, which makes fractures about the physis likely. 36(1)p. 60-3. The most common symptoms of a fracture are pain and swelling. (OBQ09.156) Patients usually cannot bear full weight and sometimes will ambulate only on the medial aspect of the foot. All material on this website is protected by copyright. Search dates: February and June 2015. Metacarpal Fractures Hand Orthobullets Fractures Of The Proximal Fifth Metatarsal Radiopaedia Fifth Metacarpal Fractures Statpearls Ncbi Bookshelf A collegiate soccer player presents as a referral to your office after sustaining an injury to the right foot, which he describes as hyperdorsiflexion of the toes. Nondisplaced or minimally displaced (less than 3 mm) fractures of the second to fifth metatarsal shafts with less than 10 of angulation can be treated conservatively with a short leg walking boot, cast shoe, or elastic bandage, with progressive weight bearing as tolerated. Started in 1995, this collection now contains 6407 interlinked topic pages divided into a tree of 31 specialty books and 722 chapters. Fractures of the toe are one of the most common lower extremity fractures diagnosed by family physicians. However, overlying shadows often make the lateral view difficult to interpret (Figure 1, center). Distal metaphyseal. Referral is indicated if buddy taping cannot maintain adequate reduction. Metatarsal fractures are among the most common injuries of the foot that may occur due to trauma or repetitive microstress. Fractures of the toe are one of the most common lower extremity fractures diagnosed by family physicians. At the first follow-up visit, radiography should be performed to assure fracture stability. If your doctor suspects a stress fracture but cannot see it on an X-ray, they may recommend an MRI scan. The preferred splinting technique is to buddy tape the affected toe to an adjacent toe (Figure 7).4 Treatment should continue until point tenderness is resolved, usually at least three weeks (four weeks for fractures of the first toe). Radiographs often are required to distinguish these injuries from toe fractures. combination of force and joint positioning causes attenuation or tearing of the plantar capsular-ligamentous complex, tear to capsular-ligamentous-seasmoid complex, tear occurs off the proximal phalanx, not the metatarsal, cartilaginous injury or loose body in hallux MTP joint, articulation between MT and proximal phalanx, abductor hallucis attaches to medial sesamoid, adductor hallucis attaches to lateral sesamoid, attaches to the transverse head of adductor hallucis, flexor tendon sheath and deep transverse intermetatarsal ligament, mechanism of injury consistent with hyper-extension and axial loading of hallux MTP, inability to hyperextend the joint without significant symptoms, comparison of the sesamoid-to-joint distances, often does not show a dislocation of the great toe MTP joint because it is concentrically located on both radiographs, negative radiograph with persistent pain, swelling, weak toe push-off, hyperdorsiflexion injury with exam findings consistent with a plantar plate rupture, persistent pain, swelling, weak toe push-off, used to rule out stress fracture of the proximal phalanx, nonoperative modalities indicated in most injuries (Grade I-III), taping not indicated in acute phase due to vascular compromise with swelling, stiff-sole shoe or rocker bottom sole to limit motion, more severe injuries may require walker boot or short leg cast for 2-6 weeks, progressive motion once the injury is stable, headless screw or suture repair of sesamoid fracture, joint synovitis or osteochondral defect often requires debridement or cheilectomy, abductor hallucis transfer may be required if plantar plate or flexor tendons cannot be restored, immediate post-operative non-weight bearing, treat with cheilectomy versus arthrodesis, depending on severity, Can be a devastating injury to the professional athlete, Posterior Tibial Tendon Insufficiency (PTTI). During this time, it may be helpful to wear a wider than normal shoe. Vollman, D. and G.A. Ribbans, W.J., R. Natarajan, and S. Alavala, Pediatric foot fractures. Smooth K-wires or screw osteosynthesis can be used to stabilize the fragment. (SBQ17SE.89) Copyright 2023 American Academy of Family Physicians. However, if you have fractured several metatarsals at the same time and your foot is deformed or unstable, you may need surgery. Diagnosis can be made clinically and are confirmed with orthogonal radiographs. He undergoes closed reduction and pinning shown in Figure B to correct alignment. 3 Patients with phalanx fractures typically present with pain at or near the site of injury, edema, ecchymosis, and erythema. In many cases, anteroposterior and oblique views are the most easily interpreted (Figure 1, top and bottom). Taping your broken toe to an adjacent toe can also sometimes help relieve pain. Foot Ankle Int, 2015. The pull of these muscles occasionally exacerbates fracture displacement. Unlike an X-ray, there is no radiation with an MRI. Indications to treat proximal phalanx fractures operatively include all of the following EXCEPT: (OBQ12.49) Others use a cast that fixates the wrist, metacarpophalangeal joint and proximal phalanx but allows movement of the interphalangeal joints. Treatment Most broken toes can be treated without surgery. Because it is the longest of the toe bones, it is the most likely to fracture. A walking cast with a toe platform may be necessary in active children and in patients with potentially unstable fractures of the first toe. Phalangeal fractures are very common, representing approximately 10% of all fractures that present to the emergency room. However, return to work and sport can generally take six to eight weeks depending on activity level; some high-level athletes may require more time.6, Initial management of lesser toe fractures (Figure 14) includes buddy taping to an adjacent toe, use of a rigid-sole shoe, and ambulation as tolerated. Referral also should be considered for patients with other displaced first-toe fractures, unless the physician is comfortable with their management. Copyright 2023 American Academy of Family Physicians. Clinical Features 9(5): p. 308-19. In this type of injury, the tendon that attaches to the base of the fifth metatarsal may stretch and pull a fragment of bone away from the base. Physicians should consider referring patients with fractures of the great toe that have any degree of displacement, angulation, or rotational deformity 6,24 (Figure 12). A 26-year-old professional ballet dancer presents with insidious onset of right midfoot pain which began 6 months ago. Healing rates also vary considerably depending on the age of the patient and comorbidities. Phalanx Fractures are common hand injuries that involve the proximal, middle or distal phalanx. Most children with fractures of the physis should be referred, but children with selected nondisplaced Salter-Harris types I and II fractures may be treated by family physicians. Treatment typically includes surgery to replace the fractured bone with an artificial implant, or to install hardware and screws to hold the bone in place. A combination of anteroposterior and lateral views may be best to rule out displacement. An MRI is performed and selected cuts are shown in Figures B and C. What is this patients diagnosis? The same mechanisms that produce toe fractures may cause a ligament sprain, contusion, dislocation, tendon injury, or other soft tissue injury. Phalanx Dislocations are common traumatic injury of the hand involving the proximal interphalangeal joint (PIP) or distal interphalangeal joint (DIP). Fractures of the talus include fractures of the neck, body, medial or lateral process, and osteochondral injuries. (OBQ11.63) Adjacent metatarsals should be examined, and neurovascular status should be assessed. All critical aspects of phalangeal fracture care will be discussed with pertinent case examples. RESULTS: Stable fractures can be successfully treated nonoperatively, whereas unstable injuries benefit from surgery. The proximal phalanx is the phalanx (toe bone) closest to the leg. Bicondylar proximal phalanx fractures usually are treated with plate fixation. Open reduction and placement of two 0.045-inch K-wires placed longitudinally through the metacarpal head, Application of a 1.5-mm straight plate applied dorsally through and extensor tendon splitting approach, Open reduction and lag screw fixation with 1.3mm screws through a radial approach, Placement of a 1.5-mm condylar blade plate through a radial approach, Open reduction and retrograde passage of two 0.045-inch K-wires retrograde trough the PIP joint. Pearls/pitfalls. most common injuries to the skeletal system, distal phalanx > middle phalanx > proximal phalanx, 40-69 years old - machinery is most common, assess for numbness indicating digital nerve injury, assess for digital artery injury via doppler, proximal fragment pulled into flexion by interossei, distal fragment pulled into extension by central slip, apex volar angulation if distal to FDS insertion, apex dorsal angulation if proximal to FDS insertion, diagnosis confirmed by history, physical exam, and radiographs, type III - unstable bicondylar or comminuted, proximal fragment in flexion (due to interossei), distal fragment in extension (due to central slip), extraarticular fractures with < 10 angulation or < 2mm shortening and no rotational deformity, 3 weeks of immobilization followed by aggressive motion, extraarticular fractures with > 10 angulation or > 2mm shortening or rotational deformity, Unstable patterns include spiral, oblique, fracture with severe comminution, Eaton-Belsky pinning through metacarpal head, minifragment fixation with plate and/or lag screws, lag screws alone indicated in presence of long oblique fracture, proximal fragment in flexion (due to FDS), distal fragment in extension (due to terminal tendon), due to inherent stability provided by an intact and prolonged FDS insertion, proximal fragment in extension (due to central slip), results from hyperextension injury or axial loading, unstable if > 40% articular surface involved, represents avulsion of collateral ligaments, usually stable due to nail plate dorsally and pulp volarly, often associated with laceration of nail matrix or pulp, shearing due to axial load, leading to fracture involving > 20% of articular surface, avulsion due tensile force of terminal tendon or FDP, leading to small avulsion fracture, terminal tendon attaches to proximal epiphyseal fragment, nail matrix may be incarcerated in fracture and block reduction, distal phalanx fractures with nailbed injury, dorsal base fractures with > 25% articular involvement, displaced volar base fractures with large fragment and involvement of FDP, predisposing factors include prolonged immobilization, associated joint injury, and extensive surgical dissection, treat with rehab and surgical release as a last resort, Apex volar angulation effectively shortens extensor tendon and limits extension of PIPJ, surgery indicated when associated with functional impairment, corrective osteotomy at malunion site (preferred), metacarpal osteotomy (limited degree of correction), most are atrophic and associated with bone loss or neurovascular compromise, Lunate Dislocation (Perilunate dissociation), Gymnast's Wrist (Distal Radial Physeal Stress Syndrome), Scaphoid Nonunion Advanced Collapse (SNAC), Carpal Instability Nondissociative (CIND), Constrictive Ring Syndrome (Streeter's Dysplasia), Thromboangiitis Obliterans (Buerger's disease). protected weightbearing with crutches, with slow return to running. Referral is recommended for children with fractures involving the physis, except nondisplaced Salter-Harris type I and type II fractures (Figure 6).4. The video will appear on the video dashboard once complete. Although referral rarely is required for patients with fractures of the lesser toes, referral is recommended for patients with open fractures, fracture-dislocations (Figure 5), displaced intra-articular fractures, and fractures that are difficult to reduce.

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