Radiographic characterization of the fifth metatarsal in children
Keywords:
fifth metatarsal, Jones fracture, Iselin disease, apophyseal separationAbstract
Introduction: Radiographic findings in pediatric patients with lateral foot pain include fractures, avulsions, and apophyses. Delayed recognition and inadequate intervention for these injuries can hinder healing.
Objective: To characterize the radiographic findings and pathologies of the fifth metatarsal in children from 2022 to 2024.
Methods: A retrospective, descriptive, cross-sectional, observational study was conducted on patients aged 5 to 17 years. All patients underwent foot radiographs between 2023 and 2024. Data was obtained from the RIS-PACS system and then exported to Excel for analysis of demographic and radiographic variables.
Results: Two hundred fifty-six-foot radiographs were reviewed. Seventy percent of the patients were male, the average age was 14 years, and the left foot was most frequently affected by zone 2 or Jones fractures. Ossification and fusion occurred earlier in girls.
Conclusions: Plain radiography allows for the identification of a wide range of injuries at the base of the fifth metatarsal. These radiographic findings contribute to timely intervention and reduce morbidity.
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Copyright (c) 2025 LEIDY CRISTINA SANCHEZ GOMEZ, DAVID MONTERROSAS USTARAN, JULIO MENDOZA MENA
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