Reduction and Fixation of Metatarsal Neck Fracture by Metaizeau's Technique

Metatarsal fractures represent 3-7% of all fractures of the body and 35% of fractures of the foot and have a rate of 75 new cases per 10,000 persons per year.

Metatarsal fractures have been considered of little importance by many authors over the years, and have received little attention. That is why little literature about operative management of metatarsal fractures can be found (apart from the first and fifth metatarsal bones).

Generally, these are non-displaced fractures. When these fractures show some displacement, reasonable alignment must be obtained because the metatarsals' capability for remodelling is extensive but not infinite.

Displaced metatarsal neck fractures are usually treated by means of retrograde Kirschner wires, which generally requires an open reduction at the fracture site due to the difficulty of reducing the metatarsal head.

Metaizeau's technique can be applied to reduce the displaced metatarsal head distally from the fracture in an easier way and to keep the fracture site closed, as compared with retrograde Kirschner wires method . Open reduction was unnecessary in all cases. This technique permitted correct control of the distal fracture fragment, obtained good reduction of the metatarsal heads without opening the fracture site, and with no lesion of the capsuloligamentous complex of metatarsophalangeal joint. Metaizeau's technique is a valid alternative to retrograde method.