Jones fracture | |
---|---|
Other names | Fracture of the metaphysis of the fifth metatarsal[1] |
Jones fracture as seen on Xray | |
Specialty | Emergency medicine, orthopedics, podiatry |
Symptoms | Pain near the midportion of the foot on the outside, bruising[2][3] |
Usual onset | Sudden[4] |
Duration | 6-12 weeks to heal[5] |
Causes | Bending the foot inwards when the toes are pointed[6] |
Diagnostic method | Based on symptoms, X-rays[3] |
Differential diagnosis | Pseudo-Jones fracture, normal growth plate[3][7] |
Treatment | Non-weight bearing, cast, surgery[5] |
A Jones fracture is a broken bone in a specific part of the fifth metatarsal of the foot between the base and middle part[8] that is known for its high rate of delayed healing or nonunion.[4] It results in pain near the midportion of the foot on the outside.[2] There may also be bruising and difficulty walking.[3] Onset is generally sudden.[4]
The fracture typically occurs when the toes are pointed and the foot bends inwards.[6][2] This movement may occur when changing direction while the heel is off the ground such in dancing, tennis, or basketball.[9][10] Diagnosis is generally suspected based on symptoms and confirmed with X-rays.[3]
Initial treatment is typically in a cast, without any walking on it, for at least six weeks.[5] If, after this period of time, healing has not occurred, a further six weeks of casting may be recommended.[5] Due to poor blood supply in this area, the break sometimes does not heal and surgery is required.[3] In athletes, or if the pieces of bone are separated, surgery may be considered sooner.[5][8] The fracture was first described in 1902 by orthopedic surgeon Robert Jones, who sustained the injury while dancing.[11][4]