What is metatarsal fracture?
Do you know where the metatarsal bone is?
The metatarsal bone is located in the middle of the foot, which is equivalent to the position of the metacarpal bone of the human hand. It is a small long bone. There are five metatarsal bones in total, which are divided into 1-5 metatarsal bones from the inside to the outside.
The distal end of the metatarsal bone is called the metatarsal head, the proximal end is called the metatarsal base, and the middle part is called the body. The metatarsal base and the proximal wedge-shaped bone, or the cuboid articular surface, form the tarsometatarsal joint. The tarsal bone, metatarsal bone and plantar ligaments and tendons together form an arch projecting upward. This is an important structure for the human body to stand, walk or bear weight. If the arch of the foot collapses, it will form a flat foot. The head of the metatarsal bone and the joint surface of the metatarsal bone in front constitute the metatarsophalangeal joint, which is an important structure for human body to stand, walk and maintain stability.
How is metatarsal fracture caused?
Metatarsal fractures are often caused by heavy objects hitting the back of the foot, rolling, and foot varus sprain. The metatarsal shaft fracture is generally not displaced due to the support of adjacent metatarsal bones. The second and third metatarsal neck are prone to stress fracture (fatigue fracture). The fracture of the base of the fifth metatarsal bone is caused by sudden varus of the foot and violent contraction and avulsion of peroneus brevis, with little displacement. It should be differentiated from the unclosed epiphysis of this part.
Manifestations: Traumatic metatarsal fractures often show local swelling, ecchymosis, tenderness at the fracture site, and limited walking. The clinical manifestations of metatarsal stress fracture mainly include local pain, tenderness, fatigue and weakness, and limited walking.
