Stress fracture of the fifth metatarsal base caused by tension band wiring: an isolated case report.

Tension band technique has been described as a successful method of treatment for the fractures of the proximal part of the fifth metatarsal bone. A high rate of union and a low rate of complications have made this mode of treatment popular, especially in patients with nonunion and high-level athletes with stress fracture of the proximal fifth metatarsal bone. The authors report a case of an avulsion fracture of the base of the fifth metatarsal bone treated with tension band wiring fixation, which resulted in a stress fracture 1 year after the tension band wiring. The authors recommend a K-wire perforation and tension band drill hole distal to the watershed area of the fifth metatarsal bone and removal of metalwork 6 to 12 months after fracture union to avoid this complication.