Dislocation of the fifth metatarsal base following partial fourth and fifth ray amputation: a case report

Successful fifth metatarsal bulk autograft reconstruction of thermal necrosis post intramedullary fixation

Reamed intramedullary (IM) screw fixation for proximal fifth metatarsal fractures is technically challenging with potentially devastating complications if basic principles are not followed. A case of an iatrogenic fourth-degree burn after elective reamed IM screw fixation of a proximal fifth metatarsal fracture in a high-level athlete is reported. The case was complicated by postoperative osteomyelitis with third-degree soft-tissue defect. This was successfully treated with staged autologous bone graft reconstruction, tendon reconstruction, and local bi-pedicle flap coverage. The patient returned to competitive-level sports, avoiding the need for fifth ray amputation. Critical points of the IM screw technique and definitive reconstruction are discussed. Bulk autograft reconstruction is a safe and effective alternative to ray amputation in segmental defects of the fifth metatarsal.Level of evidence V.

Complete Fifth Ray Amputation With Peroneal Tendon Transfer to the Cuboid: A Review of Consecutive Cases Involving Lateral Column Neuropathic Foot Ulceration and Osteomyelitis

Nonhealing wounds along the fifth metatarsal associated with neuropathy and bone deformity frequently become complicated with osteomyelitis. Our surgical technique for complete fifth ray amputation with peroneal tendon transfer has been previously published. The present study evaluated the outcomes regarding success with initial healing and intermediate-term limb survival after this procedure, which is intended to resolve infection, remove bone deformity, heal and prevent recurrence of lateral column wounds, and maintain functional stability of the foot. An institutional review board-approved retrospective review of 21 consecutive cases was performed on patients who had undergone complete fifth ray amputation from August 2006 to September 2015. Comorbid conditions were assessed in relation to outcome. The typical stage 1 procedure involved complete fifth toe and metatarsal amputation, antibiotic bead placement, and preliminary wound closure. The stage 2 procedure was performed 2 weeks later and involved removal of the antibiotic beads, biopsy and remodeling of the cuboid, and peroneus longus tendon transfer to the cuboid. All cases involved ulceration along the fifth metatarsal. Of the 21 patients, 10 (47.6%) had undergone previous partial fifth ray amputation with recurrent ulceration at the residual metatarsal stump. Osteomyelitis of the fifth metatarsal was confirmed by bone culture and/or positive pathologic findings for osteomyelitis in 19 of 21 cases (90.5%). A total of 15 patients (71.4%) were completely healed at 10 weeks, and 10 patients (47.6%) required subsequent surgery, including 4 below-the-knee amputations and 1 Symes amputation. The average follow-up period was 37.0 (range 2.9 to 105) months. Despite the 10 patients (47.6%) requiring revision surgery, the limb salvage rate was 76.2% (16 of 21) at an average follow-up period of >3 years in this high-risk patient population.

Complete fifth ray amputation with peroneal tendon transfer--a staged surgical protocol

Nonhealing neuropathic ulcers overlying the fifth metatarsal are frequently associated with cavus foot structure and are often complicated by osteomyelitis. Partial fifth ray amputation for metatarsal phalangeal joint ulceration and osteomyelitis is a time-proven procedure. Recurrent wounds and persistent osteomyelitis at the amputation stump or fifth metatarsal base create significant challenges in a cavus foot with neuropathy. Long-term success with removal of the entire fifth ray is largely dependent on preventing infection of the cuboid and maintaining peroneal tendon function. The described technique demonstrates our surgical principles and technical pearls in performing a staged complete fifth ray amputation with initial antibiotic bead placement and delayed peroneal tendon transfer. The peroneus longus tendon transfer has the advantage of preserving the eversion force to counterbalance the posterior tibial tendon and allowing the first ray to elevate, thereby alleviating some of the sagittal plane deformity associated with a cavus foot structure. The surgical tips and pearls are accompanied by procedure indications and incision planning options. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a staged protocol involving complete fifth ray resection, initial antibiotic bead placement, and delayed peroneus longus tendon transfer.