[Minimally invasive treatment of serial metatarsal fractures by antegrade intramedullary K‑wire osteosynthesis].

Serial fractures of metatarsal bones are rare and usually caused by direct or indirect high-energy trauma; however, in cases of pre-existing diseases, such as diabetes mellitus, they also can occur spontaneously or as insidious fractures. Due to the substantial soft tissue swelling mostly associated with such injuries, minimally invasive osteosynthesis with intramedullary Kirschner-wires (K‑wires) is recommended. The antegrade technique for placement of the K‑wires is preferred as the technically simpler retrograde procedure has several significant disadvantages. The preferred operative approach is described in detail exemplified by two clinical cases.