Characteristics of plantar pressure distribution in elite male soccer players with or without history of proximal fifth metatarsal fracture: a case-control study

[Purpose] Studies have demonstrated a relationship between plantar pressure distribution and proximal fifth metatarsal fracture. We aimed to investigate the plantar pressure patterns of soccer players with or without a history of proximal fifth metatarsal fracture. [Participants and Methods] Fifty-one male soccer players (31 professional, 20 high-school) participated in this study (mean age, weight, and height ± SD: 21.1 ± 4.7 years, 68.8 ± 5.8 kg, and 175.4 ± 5.9 cm, respectively). Seven of them had a history of proximal fifth metatarsal fracture before this study (the fracture group) and 44 had no history of fracture (the control group). A Win-Pod (Medicapteurs) platform was used to measure foot pressure forces. The center of plantar pressure was measured during double and single-limb stances for 25 seconds. Fifth metatarsal pressure and the center of plantar pressure angle was calculated from the walking footprint. The calculated data were compared between the fracture group and the control group. [Results] Comparisons between the fracture and control groups in terms of morphology and the center of plantar pressure length showed no significant differences. However, the fifth metatarsal pressure and the center of plantar pressure angle were significantly higher in the fracture group. [Conclusion] The results of this study revealed that players with excessive loading in the lateral areas of the foot while walking have a risk of developing proximal fifth metatarsal fracture.