Surgery may sometimes be necessary if the fracture does not heal adequately. Treatment options may include rest, immobilization with casts, splints, braces, and crutches. Prompt medical attention is required to prevent complications. Pain or swelling often goes unnoticed unless it becomes worse. They are not complete fractures in a hairline fracture, a bone breaks partially, and only the outer layer of bones is affected.īones that commonly undergo fractures are typically weight-bearing, including the tibia (shinbone) or metatarsals (bones of the foot). As the name suggests, a hairline fracture is as thin as a hair. Hairline fractures, also called stress fractures, are small, microscopic cracks or fractures in a bone. In this article, we’ll explore hairline fractures, their causes, risks, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. It can even lead to more severe injuries if left untreated. Athletes and anyone who puts repetitive strain on the bones, such as running or jumping, are more prone to hairline fractures.Ī hairline fracture can cause dull pain and reduced mobility. Overuse and repetitive stress over a particular bone are the leading causes of a hairline fracture. A hairline fracture is different from a complete fracture as it is minor, typically thin, and usually does not cause the bone to break completely. Nondisplaced or minimally displaced (less than 2 mm) fractures of the lesser toes with less than 25% joint involvement and no angulation or rotation can be managed conservatively with buddy taping or a rigid-sole shoe.Hairline fractures or stress fractures are small or tiny cracks in the bone, often difficult to detect via traditional methods. The Ottawa Ankle and Foot Rules should be used to help determine whether radiography is needed when evaluating patients with suspected fractures of the proximal fifth metatarsal.Įarly surgical management of a Jones fracture allows for an earlier return to activity than nonsurgical management and should be strongly considered for athletes or other highly active persons. 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. The use of musculoskeletal ultrasonography may be considered to diagnose subtle metatarsal fractures. Lesser toe fractures can be treated with buddy taping and a rigid-sole shoe for four to six weeks. Great toe fractures are treated with a short leg walking boot or cast with toe plate for two to three weeks, then a rigid-sole shoe for an additional three to four weeks. A Jones fracture has a higher risk of nonunion and requires at least six to eight weeks in a short leg non–weight-bearing cast healing time can be as long as 10 to 12 weeks. A fifth metatarsal tuberosity avulsion fracture can be treated acutely with a compressive dressing, then the patient can be transitioned to a short leg walking boot for two weeks, with progressive mobility as tolerated after initial immobilization. Proximal fifth metatarsal fractures have different treatments depending on the location of the fracture. 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. Management is determined by the location of the fracture and its effect on balance and weight bearing. Diagnosis requires radiographic evaluation, although emerging evidence demonstrates that ultrasonography may be just as accurate. Patients typically present with varying signs and symptoms, the most common being pain and trouble with ambulation. They most often involve the metatarsals and toes. Foot fractures are among the most common foot injuries evaluated by primary care physicians.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |