5th metatarsal fracture! Help Needed!

[dino1983]

Hi, I fractured the 5th metatarsal of my foot 6 weeks ago. The doctor put me in a cast for 5 weeks and then removed it and said to be on crutches for 2-3 more weeks and I should be ok to walk then. I have been on crutches since the fracture.

Just to make sure everything was fine, I visited another orthopedic specialist to get a second opinion. He was shocked to see that I was not on a cast, and immediately said that I need to get surgery done.

I am obviously very confused at this point of time and do not know what to do. I have uploaded my xray scan. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

[SauleMenulis]

how did it go?

[S. Kaul, MD]

Hi there!

Well, without knowing the relevant clinical details or a detailed clinical evaluation it would be difficult to comment specifically on the situation. If it has been 6 weeks since the injury, I would tend to be more in favour of the first doctor. Even if there has been little healing, a surgery is best done at a later date, giving the injury a few more weeks to heal.
Hope this is helpful.

Take care!