Lecture Notes: Metatarsal Bones and Fractures

Overview of Metatarsal Bones

• The metatarsal bones consist of five long bones located in the foot.
• They articulate:
  • Proximally with the tarsal bones.
  • Distally with the phalanges.

Fifth Metatarsal Fractures

• Prevalence: The fifth metatarsal, associated with the little toe, is frequently fractured, especially noted in football.
• Causes:
  • Low energy injuries such as twisting of the forefoot.
  • High energy trauma.
  • Stress response injuries.

Muscles and Tendons Involved

• Two muscles attach to the fifth metatarsal:
  1. Fibularis Brevis
  2. Fibularis Tertius
• The tendons of these muscles can exert a pulling force strong enough to cause avulsion fractures.

Immediate Care and Treatment

• Supportive Devices:
  • Special boot to minimize weight and facilitate healing.
  • Crutches to assist in reducing weight bearing on the affected foot.
• Diagnosis:
  • X-ray is the preferred imaging technique to confirm the presence of fractures.

Post-Surgery Rehabilitation

• Following surgery, a structured rehabilitation process is crucial.
• With proper care, patients can expect a full recovery typically within a 3-month timeframe.

Additional Learning

• Explore more about the human body through resources like Complete Anatomy.

[Note: All information is based on the provided transcript. Further study and resources are recommended for comprehensive understanding.]