[Miniplate internal fixation and autogenous iliac bone graft in surgical treatment of old metatarsal fractures].

OBJECTIVE

To summarize the experience of treating old metatarsal fractures with surgery methods of miniplate internal fixation and autogenous iliac bone.

METHODS

Between May 2009 and July 2010, 7 patients with old metatarsal fractures were treated surgically, including 5 multi-metatarsal fractures and 2 single metatarsal fractures. There were 5 males and 2 females aged from 25 to 43 years (mean, 33 years). The time from fracture to operation was 4-12 weeks. The X-ray films showed that a small amount of callus formed at both broken ends with shortening, angulation, or rotation displacement. The surgical treatments included open reduction, internal fixation by miniplate, and autogenous iliac bone graft (1.5-2.5 cm(3)). The external plaster fixation was used in all patients for 4 to 6 weeks postoperatively (mean, 5 weeks).

RESULTS

All incisions healed by first intention. The 7 patients were followed up 8-18 months (mean, 13.5 months). The clinical fracture healing time was 6 to 12 weeks postoperatively (mean, 8.4 weeks). No pain of planta pedis occurred while standing and walking. The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) mesopedes and propodium score was 75-96 (mean, 86.4).

CONCLUSION

It has the advantages of reliable internal fixation, high fracture healing rate, less complications to treat old metatarsal fractures with surgery methods of miniplate internal fixation and autogenous iliac bone graft, so it is an effective treatment method.