Foot fractures

March 2018 | by EMauthor


Fracture of the Talus  


Minor avulsion fractures can be missed unless looked for, they can be treated with tubigrip or back slab support and followed in fracture clinic

Talar dome fractures can be missed unless looked for

Major fractures through the neck and body will require open reduction

Refer all talar fractures except the avulsions to orthopaedics


Fracture of calcaneus


Result from fall from height

Exclude injuries to knees, hips and spine

Request axial view

Most will need admission to assess extent and possible surgery, refer to orthopaedics


Navicular fractures


Avulsion fracture of tubercle, treated with tubigrip or plaster with fracture clinic follow up

Fracture of the body, may require internal fixation, refer to orthopaedics


Tarsometatarsal fracture/dislocation (LisFranc fracture/dislocation)


Serious injury with possible vascular compromise, check pedal pulse

Identify the alignment of the metatarsal bases with cuniform bones on x-ray

Will need prompt reduction, then refer to orthopaedics urgently


Base of 5th metatarsal


Avulsion fractures,

oLie transversely, can be treated with tubigrip unless swelling and pain is severe, then apply a back slab.

oArrange fracture clinic follow up

Jones fracture

oLie at more distal level

oIt is much more painful and liable for non union

oWill need plaster immobilisation and non weight bearing


Metatarsal shaft fractures


Can cause considerable swelling of foot

Treat with below knee back slab , crutches and fracture clinic follow up

If the swelling is severe, assess for compartment syndrome and consider admission


Phalangeal fractures


Displaced , reduce and apply neighbour strap, fracture clinic

Undisplaced , neighbour strap, probably no follow up needed




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