Authors of section

Authors

Khairul Faizi Mohammad, Brad Yoo

Executive Editors

Markku T Nousiainen, Richard Buckley

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Lag screw fixation of proximal articular fractures of the 1st-4th metatarsal

1. General considerations

Note on illustrations - To illustrate this procedure, a fractured first metatarsal is shown. The principles and the stepwise procedure are identical for the second through fourth metatarsals.

Strategy options for complete articular fractures

Two options are available:

  • Reduce and fix the articular segment to create an A-type pattern. The extraarticular fracture is then reduced to the main fragment and fixed in a second step.
  • Reduce all fragments with temporary fixation, followed by definitive screw fixation. Typically, the screw fixation would start with the fixation of the articular block.

Displaced fractures

Displaced fractures may be associated with first tarsometatarsal instability. Reduction of the articular surface and alignment of the first tarsometatarsal joint and its associated soft tissues are essential in treating this injury.

87 P100 Lag screw fixation

2. Reduction

Visualization

Expose the articular surfaces.

Visualization may be improved by longitudinal manual distraction.

For fractures involving the first metatarsal, a mini distractor may be helpful. Visualization may be improved by releasing the dorsal insertion of the extensor hallucis brevis or extensor digitorum brevis (EHB or EDB).

The extensor hallucis longus should be preserved.

Mini distractor applied to improve visualization of a proximal articular fracture of the 1st metatarsal

Irrigation

Clean the fracture using a dental pick. Direct suction or irrigation is helpful.

The fracture edges are exposed, and the fragment mobility is assessed. Take great care to avoid comminution of any fragment. It is essential to maintain the vascularity of small fragments.

The extent of articular involvement is assessed, including separate osteochondral fragments.

Irrigation of a proximal articular fracture of the 1st metatarsal

Reduction

Anatomical reduction of the joint surface is essential to prevent chronic instability or posttraumatic degenerative joint disease.

The articular fragments are manipulated using a dental pick, small K-wires as joysticks, or a small periosteal elevator.

Joystick reduction of a proximal articular fracture of the 1st metatarsal

If reconstruction of the articular surface is not feasible, a fusion of the joint should be considered.

Small K-wires can be inserted across the fracture line for preliminary fixation.

Preliminary K-wire fixation of a proximal articular fracture of the 1st metatarsal

Depending on fracture configuration, pointed reduction forceps may also be used for reduction and preliminary fixation.

Reduction and preliminary fixation with reduction forceps of a proximal articular fracture of the 1st metatarsal

Reduction of impacted fractures

Principle

Centrally impacted fragments in compression fractures are devoid of soft-tissue attachments and are therefore not reducible by ligamentotaxis.

Direct reduction is necessary.

The key to fixing compression fractures is restoring the joint surface to as close as normal as possible and supporting the reduction with bone graft and internal fixation.

Traction on an impacted proximal complete articular fracture of the 1st metatarsal
Reduction of the articular surface

Using a K-wire, or dental pick, the fragments are disimpacted and pushed towards the opposing bone, which is used as a template to ensure congruity of the articular surface.

Reduction of the articular surface of an impacted proximal complete articular fracture of the 1st metatarsal
Grafting

Since the metaphyseal cancellous bone is impacted, a void may be created by its disimpaction.

This void jeopardizes the fracture in two ways:

  • It is a very unstable situation in which the articular fragments may easily displace (collapse)
  • The healing process is delayed

The bony defect under the fragments is filled with cancellous bone graft. The bone graft also helps keep the fragments in place when the screw fixation is performed.

Grafting of the metaphyseal cancellous bone of an impacted proximal complete articular fracture of the 1st metatarsal

Visual inspection of the reduction

Anatomical reduction of the joint surface must be checked under direct visualization and image intensification.

Length, alignment, and rotation of all metatarsals and joints must be maintained.

Confirming anatomical reduction of a proximal articular fracture of the 1st metatarsal under direct visualization

3. Fixation

Fixation of the articular block

Lag screw fixation of the articular surface should be performed first.

Insert a 2.0 mm or 2.4 mm lag screw perpendicular to the fracture plane.

The lag screws should be placed outside of the articular surface.

Screw fixation of the articular block in a proximal articular fracture of the 1st metatarsal

Fixation of the articular block to the shaft

If possible, fix the articular block to the shaft using lag screw.

The extraarticular fracture can be addressed with either a plate or K-wires if lag screw fixation is impossible (see fixation of simple extraarticular fractures).

Screw fixation of the articular block to the shaft in a proximal articular fracture of the 1st metatarsal

Percutaneous screw insertion

For fractures of the first metatarsal, the lag screws may be inserted percutaneously.

Percutaneous screw insertion for fixation of a proximal articular fracture of the 1st metatarsal

Fixation in osteoporotic bone

If one is dealing with osteoporotic bone, then a washer under the head of the screw is helpful to prevent the head from sinking.

Screw fixation of a proximal articular fracture of the 1st metatarsal in osteoporotic bone

Insertion of additional lag screws for long oblique fractures

A second or third lag screw may be inserted for long oblique fractures. If one is dealing with osteoporotic bone, then a washer under the head of the screw is helpful to prevent the head from sinking.

Screw fixation of a proximal articular fracture of the 1st metatarsal with long oblique fracture extension

4. Fixation of osteochondral fragments

Small fragments are best stabilized with screws inserted through the articular cartilage.

Choose the smallest possible screw diameter to minimize the damage to the joint surface.

If headless screws are available in very small sizes, they have the advantage that they can be inserted deeper into the fragment without protruding.

The opposite cortex may be engaged depending on the fracture configuration and available screw lengths.

Screw fixation of a small osteochondral fragment of the 1st metatarsal proximal articular surface

Drilling and measuring

Drill carefully not to displace the fragments.

Measure the correct screw length with a depth gauge. When measuring, be careful not to displace the reduced fragments.

Drilling and measuring for screw fixation of a small osteochondral fragment of the 1st metatarsal proximal articular surface

Countersinking the articular cartilage

When standard (headed) screws are used, the cartilage is countersunk to facilitate the burial of the screw head.

Countersinking of the articular cartilage for screw fixation of a small osteochondral fragment of the 1st metatarsal proximal articular surface

Screw insertion

Carefully insert the screw without displacing the reduced fragments. Ensure that the screw head is buried in the articular cartilage and does not protrude into the joint.

Insert additional screws as needed using a similar technique.

Screw fixation of a small osteochondral fragment of the 1st metatarsal proximal articular surface

Intraoperative radiologic and visual assessment of joint motion is critical to verify sufficient countersinking.

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