Is Surgery To Remove Bone Chip Best Option For Treating Pain In Foot Radiating To Ankle After Injury?

Posted on Tue, 24 Dec 2013

Question: Dropped a tv/vcr on top right foot about 2 mos ago. ER xray showed neg fracture. Continuous pain led to another xray 3 wks ago. Orthopedic phys assistant said chip fracture of fifth metatarsal. Now have increased and continuous pain in that area of foot, with rest and ambulation. Also now pain up through outer ankle with ambulation. Could surgery to remove bone chip help? Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Deepak Kishore Kaltari (1 hour later)

Brief Answer: not as advisable to remove chip fracture Detailed Answer: Greetings of the day Small chip fracture of 5th metatarsal is left undisturbed. It doesn't warrant removal. All you need is few weeks of immobilization of part by below knee Plaster of Paris cast. It will provide the much needed relief of pain by immobilizing the affected part and will help in healing of fracture. Chip fracture are only removed if they are totally displaced and protruding through the skin. I hope it helped. If you need any further assistance will be glad to assist you Take care Best Regards Dr Deepak Kishore MBBS,MS,MCh Consultant Surgeon

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad