OBJECTIVETo investigate the clinical outcomes of surgical treatment of fracture of the fifth metatarsal base combined with degree III lateral ligament injury of ankle.

METHODSFrom January 2008 to December 2011, 32 patients with fracture of the fifth metatarsal base combined with degree III lateral ligament injury of ankle were treated with surgery. Fractures were fixed with compressed canulated screw and ligaments were repaired with suture anchors. After operation, ankle joints were fixed in neutral position and slightly valgus position by plaster slab. Taking out stitch was performed at 2 weeks after operation and non-weight loading walking by double crutches support started; after the 6 weeks, remove the gypsum and part-weight loading walking by brace protection; at the 8 weeks after operation, completely weight loading walking was permitted. American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) was used to evaluate the clinical effect.

RESULTSThirty-two patients were followed up from 8 to 18 months with an average of 12 months. All fractures obtained healing with an average time of 12.5 weeks (ranged, 8 to 24 weeks). According to the standard of AOFAS, 18 cases got excellent results and 14 good.

CONCLUSIONThe method that fracture fixation with compressed canulated screw and ligament repair with suture anchors can obtain satisfactory effects in treating fracture of the fifth metatarsal base and degree III lateral ligament injury of ankle.