Effectiveness of Shockwave Treatment for Proximal Fifth Metatarsal Stress Fracture in Soccer Players

Fifth metatarsal stress fracture is a failure of a healthy metatarsal bone subject to repetitive microdamages. It has a high prevalence in soccer players and is classified as a high-risk stress fracture. Based on Torg classification, the treatment options may be conservative or surgical. The recent increase of evidences about Shock Wave Treatment in different bone pathologies, including stress fractures, suggests the possibility to use this conservative intervention option also in patients candidate for surgery. This randomized clinical trial included 18 soccer players diagnosed of proximal fifth metatarsal stress fracture, randomly matched in Surgery group and Shock Wave group. Patients of Surgery group were treated with intramedullary screw fixation; patients of Shock Wave group received 3 weekly sessions of Focused Shock Wave Treatment (F-ESWT), using an electrohydraulic device set to an energy flux density (EFD) of 0.21 mJ/mm2 and 2000 impulses. Patients of both groups were followed monthly until their return to play (RTP) using radiography, Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Tegner Activity Level Scale and AOFAS score.

3 weekly sessions of Focused Shock Wave Treatment (F-ESWT), using an electrohydraulic device set to an energy flux density (EFD) of 0.21 mJ/mm2 and 2000 impulses

A Kirschner wire was introduced in the proximal tuberosity under anteroposterior and lateral fluoroscopic control, following the bone axis and passing through the fracture line; a cannulated compressor screw in a diameter between 45 - 55 mm in the more satisfactory position to achieve the optimal fragments compression.

Measures the results of the treatment for complex foot and ankle injuries that combines a patient informed and a specialist informed report. Scores range from 0 to 100, with a healthy midfoot receiving 100 point.

Tegner activity scale grades the daily life activities and recreational and professional sports practice. A score of 0 represents sick leave or disability pension because of knee problems, whereas a score of 10 corresponds to participation in national and international elite competitive sports >6 score can only be achieved if the person participates in recreational or competitive sport.

Inclusion Criteria: Male soccer players, aged over 18 years. Diagnosis of proximal fifth metatarsal stress fracture, according to clinical signs and symptoms and to radiologic findings Fracture occurred during soccer practice Informed consent signed Exclusion Criteria: To be under 18 years old Traumatic fracture Fracture occurred out of soccer practice Patients with metatarsal shaft, neck or head fracture Patients with contraindication to receive surgical treatment Patients with contraindication to receive shock wave treatment Patients that refuse the informed consent