Avulsion Fractures of the Ankle

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Original Editors - Niels Verbeeck

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Key words: Avulsion fractures, ankle, 5th metatarsal, treatment, diagnosise
An avulsion fracture of the 5th metatarsal is also called Pseudo-Jones fracture.
Main information: VUB (Free University of Brussels) library (books) and sites: Pubmed, Web of knowledge (RCT’s), PEDro evidence

Definition/Description

An avulsion fracture is a fracture caused by a traumatic traction (longterm repetitive pulling or single high impact traumatic traction) from a tendon to the bone. Because the tendon can bear more pull than the bone, it is common that the bone will pull off instead of the tendon. The tendon pulls off a tiny fragment of bone.

An avulsion fracture can occur at many places in the body, but some areas in the body are more sensitive than others. An avulsion fracture of the ankle is mostly situated at the base of the fifth metatarsal, but may also be found at the talus and calcaneus.

Clinically Relevant Anatomy

The 5th metatarsal is located at the lateral side of the foot. The metatarsal is divided into 3 parts: the base (also called tuberosity), the metaphysis and the head. The peroneus (fibularis) brevis’ is attached at the lateral side of the tuberosity metatarsal V.(red area at figure) The peroneus (fibularis) tertius’ is attached at the dorsal side of the most proximal compartment of the metaphysis. Because of large traction by these structures, during inversion injury, tuberosity avulsion fractures occur. (between red and purple area at figure)

figure1: source: http://www.med-info.nl/images/images_trauma/Trauma_voet_MT5_Jones_groot.jpg

Epidemiology /Etiology

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Characteristics/Clinical Presentation

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Differential Diagnosis

Avulsion fractures are often confused with other types of fractures to the fifth metatarsal:
- Jones fractures
- Stress fractures
- Mid-shaft fractures

Diagnostic Procedures

An x-ray may be ordered by the surgeon. Avulsion fractures are sometimes overlooked when an x-ray is taken or when the injury to MT V occurs together with an ankle sprain. In this case other imaging studies are recommended, such as MR imaging, CT scan or scintigrams.

Outcome Measures

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Examination

During the medical history taking the surgeon or a physiotherapist has to ask the patient how the injury occurred and when the pain started. Using the Ottawa Ankle Rules localize the exact area of pain. Palpation of the 5th metatarsal tuberosity is painfull.

Medical Management

Patients with an avulsion fracture of the base of the 5th metatarsal are usually treated conservative. If the bone is not displaced, the treatment is accomplished with a walking boot or a walking cast. They will be casted for four to six weeks. Surgery is only recommended if the bone is displaced from its normal position or when there is more than 30% of the cubometatarsal joint involved. The bone will be removed or fixed with osteosynthesis material. Crutches may be useful to avoid weight on the injured foot.

Physical Therapy Management

Avulsion fractures are often treated as ankle sprains. A physiotherapist doesn’t treat ‘an avulsion fracture’ on its own, but the dysfunctional movement and impairments of an individual. Therefore it is important to individualize the treatment.

It is important to follow a full ankle rehabilitation after an avulsion fracture, because inappropriately managed avulsion fractures can lead to significant long-term functional disability. Most fractures heal well, but following a strict immobilization it is indicated to regain full range of motion (normal arthrokinematics), strength of the lower extremity muscles, proprioception and functionality in sport.

A full ankle rehabilitation after an avulsion fracture consists of three phases, the acute phase, the recovery phase and the functional phase:

1. The first phase, also called ‘the acute phase’, can be started at two weeks postoperatively. The first phase will include passive range of motion exercises and crytherapy. This phase is based on the reduction of pain, inflammation and edema while retarding muscle atrophy of the lower extremity complex.
2. The second phase, also called ‘the recovery phase’, can be started after the patient has met the goals of the first phase, usually at three to four weeks postoperatively. The second phase includes range of motion exercises, exercises improving lower extremity strength with theraband and proprioception exercises with a biomechanical ankle platform system. At the beginning of the second phase, advice the patients they should use the least resistant band. Toward the end of the second phase, the patient should begin using a wobble board to improve proprioception and begin closed kinetic chain activities (walking and loading).
3. The third phase, also called ‘the functional phase’, can be started at six to eight weeks postoperatively. The third phase involves increasing power of the lower extremity complex, increasing neuromuscular control and utilizing sport-specific training of the lower extremity for a full return to sport.

Key Research

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Resources

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Clinical Bottom Line

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Recent Related Research (from Pubmed)

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References

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