About Metatarsal Fracture
Key Highlights
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Specialized care tailored to a child's growing bones and active lifestyle.Focus on preserving the growth plate (physis) to prevent long-term complications.Multiple treatment options, from non-surgical casting to minimally invasive surgery.Aims to restore full, pain-free function for running, jumping, and sports.Prevents future foot deformities, arthritis, or chronic pain.
Who is this surgery for?
- Displaced fracture where bone ends are not aligned.
- Open (compound) fracture where the bone breaks through the skin.
- Intra-articular fracture extending into a joint surface.
- Multiple metatarsal fractures (floating foot).
- Fracture involving the growth plate (Salter-Harris fracture).
- Failure of conservative treatment (e.g., re-displacement in a cast).
- Significant soft tissue injury or compartment syndrome.
How to prepare
- Comprehensive physical exam and detailed medical history.
- X-rays (AP, lateral, oblique views) to assess fracture type and displacement.
- Possible CT scan for complex intra-articular fractures.
- Discussion of anesthesia options (general or regional) with a pediatric anesthesiologist.
- Fasting as instructed prior to surgery, typically 6-8 hours for solids.
- Parental counseling on the procedure, risks, benefits, and recovery expectations.
Risks & possible complications
- Infection at the surgical site or in the bone (osteomyelitis).
- Bleeding, bruising, or nerve/vessel damage.
- Stiffness, non-union (bone doesn't heal), or malunion (bone heals in poor position).
- Damage to the growth plate, potentially affecting future bone length.
- Hardware irritation from pins, screws, or plates, possibly requiring removal.
- Chronic pain, complex regional pain syndrome, or arthritis later in life.
- Risks associated with anesthesia.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Initial period in a cast, splint, or protective boot to immobilize the foot.
- Strict elevation for the first few days to minimize swelling.
- Pain management with prescribed medications.
- No weight-bearing for 4-6 weeks, followed by gradual reintroduction.
- Physical therapy to restore strength, flexibility, and gait.
- Follow-up X-rays to monitor healing progress.
- Gradual return to sports and full activities, typically over 3-6 months.
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Typical hospital stay: 1-2 days
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Expected recovery time: 6-8 weeks for bone healing; 3-6 months for full return to sports
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering metatarsal fracture in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Top-rated hospitals in India with pediatric orthopedics departments and experienced surgeons are ideal for this procedure. Use MediFyr to compare facilities, reviews, and doctor profiles before you decide.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform metatarsal fracture. MediFyr helps you compare pediatric orthopedics and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for metatarsal fracture compare across other countries where we have data.
| Country | Estimated cost range | Typical stay | Recovery time | View details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | INR 50 Thousand – 200 Thousand | 1-2 days | ~ 6-8 weeks for bone healing; 3-6 months for full return to sports | Know More |
| Turkey | TRY 175 Thousand – 700 Thousand | 1-2 days | ~ 6-8 weeks for bone healing; 3-6 months for full return to sports | Know More |
Ayaan Sharma, a cheerful 8-year-old, is...
Ayaan Sharma, a cheerful 8-year-old, is an avid soccer player who dreams of playing professionally. During a weekend match, he collided with another player and felt a sharp, immediate pain in his foot. He couldn't put any weight on it. His parents rushed him to the clinic, where an X-ray confirmed a displaced fracture of his 5th metatarsal. The pediatric orthopedic surgeon explained that due to the displacement, Ayaan needed a closed reduction and percutaneous pinning to realign the bone properly for healing. Ayaan was scared of the idea of 'pins' and surgery, worried he'd never play soccer again. The procedure was done under anesthesia, and he woke up in a cast. Over the next 6 weeks, with his cast and then a boot, he attended physical therapy diligently, motivated by his goal. His emotional journey shifted from fear and frustration to determination and hope. At his final check-up, the X-ray showed excellent healing. He was cleared to start gentle training, and his first kick of the ball in the backyard with his dad was a moment of pure joy and relief.
Pediatric Orthopedics for Metatarsal Fracture
Explore experienced pediatric orthopedics who regularly perform metatarsal fracture and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 14 Years Experience
- Pediatric Orthopedics
Manipal Hospital Ghaziabad, Ghaziabad
- 23 Years Experience
- Pediatric Orthopedics
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 8 Years Experience
- Pediatric Orthopedics
Manipal Hospital Mukundapur, Kolkata