Xie L, et al. - This study compared outcomes between Locking Compression Plate (LCP) distal ulna hook plate fixation and traditional intramedullary screw (IMS) fixation in displaced avulsion fifth metatarsal base fractures (FMBFs). As an alternative fixation method, LCP distal ulna hook plate fixation was better than IMS fixation. Additionally, LCP distal ulna hook plate fixation had a short surgery time and improved functional performance.

Methods

• This study included 43 patients with displaced avulsion FMBFs; of those, 18 patients were treated with LCP distal ulna hook plate fixation and 25 were treated with IMS fixation.
• Clinical and radiographical evaluation of patients was done and 12 months follow up was performed.
• LCP distal ulna hook plate fixation and IMS fixation cohorts were compared in terms of surgery time, time for hospital stay, time for weight-bearing, time for bony union, time for return to daily life, pain relief, functional outcome and complications.
• Using the AOFAS (American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society) mid-foot score, functional outcome was assessed at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months after surgery.
• Meanwhile, pain scores were obtained at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months after surgery.

Results

• Baseline characteristics in the two cohorts were similar.
• Researchers observed that surgery time was less in LCP distal ulna hook plate fixation cohort compare to IMS fixation cohort (p < 0.0001).
• Significant improvements were noted in time for partial weight-bearing (p < 0.0001) and full weight-bearing (p < 0.0001) in those with LCP distal ulna hook plate fixation than those with IMS fixation.
• In addition, findings demonstrated that patients in the LCP distal ulna hook plate fixation cohort had significantly increased AOFAS at 9 months (p < 0.0001) and 12 months (p < 0.0001) after surgery compared to the IMS fixation cohort.