Pediatric Apophyseal Fracture

  • Etiology: traction apophysitis of tuberosity of fifth metatarsal caused by repetitive traction of peroneus brevis tendon at the site of its attachment
  • Imaging: irregularity and fragmentation of the apophysis of the fifth metatarsal
  • DDX: fracture of the base of the fifth metatarsal
  • Complications:
  • Treatment:
  • Clinical: seen in physically active children between 9-14 years old, presents with lateral midfoot pain aggravated by sports activities

Radiology Cases of Apophyseal Fracture

Radiograph of apophyseal fracture of the fifth metatarsal
AP radiographs of the feet show asymmetrically increased fragmentation of the left fifth metatarsal apophysis when compared to its counterpart on the right. This was also the point of maximal tenderness on physical exam.