THE USE OF LOW-INTENSITY PULSED ULTRASOUND IN TREATING DELAYED UNION OF FIFTH METATARSAL FRACTURES

Background Fractures of the metatarsal bones are the most frequent fracture of the foot. Up to 70% involve the fifth metatarsal bone, of which approximately eighty percent are located proximally. Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) has been shown to be a useful adjunct in the treatment of delayed fractures and non unions. However, there is no study looking at the success rate of LIPUS in fifth metatarsal fracture delayed unions. Objectives The aim of our study was to investigate the use of LIPUS treatment for delayed union of fifth metatarsal fractures. Study Design & Methods A retrospective review of patients who were treated with LIPUS following a delayed union of fifth metatarsal fracture was conducted over a three-year period (2013 – 2015). Delayed union was defined as lack of clinical and radiological evidence of union, bony continuity or bone reaction at the fracture site if 3 months has elapsed from the initial injury. Results There were thirty patients (9 males, 21 females) in our cohort. The ...