Metaizeau's technique for displaced metatarsal neck fractures.

Abstract

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. We present seven fractures treated anterograde with progressive weight-bearing after 2 weeks. 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 capsulo-ligamentosus metatarsophalangeal joint structures. We obtained the radiographic healing of all and showed correct alignment. Metaizeau's technique is a valid alternative to retrograde Kirschner wires fixation in the treatment of displaced metatarsal neck fractures.