Older stress fracture (Torg type II) of the fifth metatarsal

This close up view from a plain radiograph shows an older stress fracture (Torg type II) of the fifth metatarsal diaphysis. Note the widened fracture line (arrow), extension of the fracture to the opposite cortex, intramedullary sclerosis, and significant periosteal new bone (causing lateral bulge of cortex). This stress fracture clearly lies distal to the intrametatarsal joint. There is great risk of nonunion with such diaphyseal stress fractures.