Rehabilitation protocol in the operated metatarsal V fracture

Recovery protocol in the operated metatarsal V fracture

The forefoot bones play an important role in normal walking. Studies have shown that the two sesamoid bones and the head of the 2-5 metatarsals share body weight evenly while walking.

General principles

• The patient will use the crutches, without stepping on the operated leg, until the edema is in remission
• Postoperatively, the patient will have his foot immobilized in a walker for 1-2 weeks
• Avoid walking or standing for long periods in the first week to control local edema and pain.
• Apply ice 3-5 times a day (15 minutes each time) to control edema and the inflammatory process
• Raise the operated leg above the level of the heart to limit edema and the inflammatory process
• No impact exercises in the first 6 weeks post-surgery

Causes

The mechanism of production is usually a sports injury or car accident. Fractures are divided according to location into metatarsal base fractures and distal spiral fractures (dancer's fracture). In addition, the basic metatarsal fractures are divided into 3 areas.


Zone 1 fractures can be treated orthopedically and symptomatically. Symptoms may persist for up to 6-8 weeks. Zone 2 fractures can be treated orthopedically by plastering and walking with partial or surgical support. Studies have shown that orthopedic treatment for 8-10 weeks is ideal. Zone 3 fractures require more aggressive treatment, which consists of surgery and internal fixation with a screw.

Rehabilitation protocol

Week 1
Exercises

Week 2 - 6

• Start stepping on the operated limb, under the close supervision of the physical therapist, depending on the pain and local edema.
• Radiological examination at 4-6 weeks to monitor healing
• Soft tissue treatments for local edema prevention, mobility, and soft tissue healing

Exercitii

• Cycling, balance exercises
• Stretching in the ankle and foot area and exercises with the help of Theraband bands to regain complete mobility of the foot, as well as to strengthen it

Week 6 - 8

• Progress the functional loading exercises and activities on the operated leg. Avoid jumps and quick changes in direction.
• Continue mobilizing your ankle and foot joints

After week 8

• Start the exercises specific to the sport you practice
• Increase the level of strengthening, balance, and coordination training for a gradual return to the specific activities of the sport practiced
• Returning to sports activities depends on a complete functional evaluation, specific to your sport, performed by the physical therapist.