<human>: hello, my 1st xray revealed an acute nondisplaced 5th metatarsal base fracture. i.m wearing a slpint cast. week 4, my 2nd xray revealed nonunion. in week 6, i started using an ultrasound device by Exogen hoping this will help the bones uniunize. currently in week 8 and i.m still proned to swelling though most of the bruises have started fading away. i go back for xrays week 10. i have no expectations, but what are the possiblities & what should i be prepared for?
<bot>: Brief Answer:Likely to be healed or require open reduction and internal fixation (ORIN) with intramedullary screw fixation. Detailed Answer:Warm Welcome. I appreciate your trust in Chat Doctor and assure you are on best portal on the globe for expert online medical services. I have thoroughly reviewed health query you raised, and well realize all of those concerns. Being your physician, I will take care all of them today and will extend my expertise to solve the problems. Based on what you said, there is possibility that the fracture gets union. Ultrasound therapy needs approximately 16 to 24 weeks for such recovery with good results. If you are not satisfied with above treatment, you may need to consult an orthopedic surgeon with fresh x-ray in hand who will perform fixation surgery with intramedullary screw fixation. In either case, close follow up is necessary to prevent disability. Hope I ad Chat Doctor.  Let me know if you have further questions. I will be more than happy to clear any doubts. Keep a follow-up to see how you're doing. Regards!