BACKGROUND:The hol ow compression screws and absorbable screws can be applied for the treatment of the fifth metatarsal fracture. However, little evidence is obtained in China. OBJECTIVE:To compare ankle function and fracture displacement in patients with the fifth metatarsal fracture after interventions of hol ow compression screws and absorbable screws. METHODS:32 patients with the fifth metatarsal fracture were recruited from Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University between June 2012 and June 2014. According to the internal fixation method, the involved patients were divided into hol ow compression screws group (n=18) and absorbable screws group (n=14). Clinical outcomes of patients in the two groups were evaluated through observations of the mean healing time, postoperative infection, ankle activity and fracture displacement. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Al the 32 patients were fol owed up for 6-18 months and were al healed. Compared with the absorbable screws group, the healing time was shorter (P<0.05), incidence of postoperative screw rupture and fracture displacement was lower (P<0.05), and ankle activity was better in the hol ow compression screws group (P<0.05). It is necessary to enhance the strength, improve screw thread, increase anti-pul ing property, and al ow early ankle activity, thus reducing the risk of clinical application of the absorbable screws.