Treatment of proximal fifth metatarsal bone fractures in athletes.

Proximal fifth metatarsal (V MT) bone fractures are common injuries that are a major diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. Lawrence and Botte considered different treatment options and the possibility of recovery and divided these fractures into three different regions: tuberosity avulsion fractures (zone I), acute fractures of the metaphysis at the level of the intermetatarsal junction (zone II) and proximal diaphysis stress fracture (zone III). A total of 42 athletes with fracture of the V MT bone in zone II and III were treated in our institution during a 6-year period.