Jones fracture

This article is about the diaphysis fracture. For the tuberosity fracture, see Pseudo-Jones fracture.
Jones fracture
Other namesFracture of the metaphysis of the fifth metatarsal[1]
Jones fracture as seen on Xray
SpecialtyEmergency medicine, orthopedics, podiatry
SymptomsPain near the midportion of the foot on the outside, bruising[2][3]
Usual onsetSudden[4]
Duration6-12 weeks to heal[5]
CausesBending the foot inwards when the toes are pointed[6]
Diagnostic methodBased on symptoms, X-rays[3]
Differential diagnosisPseudo-Jones fracture, normal growth plate[3][7]
TreatmentNon-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]

  1. ^ "5th Metatarsal". Emergency Care Institute, New South Wales. 2017-09-19. Archived from the original on 2019-07-29. Retrieved 2019-07-29.
  2. ^ a b c Eltorai AE, Eberson CP, Daniels AH (2017). Orthopedic Surgery Clerkship: A Quick Reference Guide for Senior Medical Students. Springer. pp. 395–397. ISBN 9783319525679. Archived from the original on 2017-10-15.
  3. ^ a b c d e f "Toe and Forefoot Fractures". OrthoInfo - AAOS. June 2016. Archived from the original on 16 October 2017. Retrieved 15 October 2017.
  4. ^ a b c d Valderrabano V, Easley M (2017). Foot and Ankle Sports Orthopaedics. Springer. p. 430. ISBN 9783319157351. Archived from the original on 2017-10-15.
  5. ^ a b c d e Bica D, Sprouse RA, Armen J (February 2016). "Diagnosis and Management of Common Foot Fractures". American Family Physician. 93 (3): 183–91. PMID 26926612.
  6. ^ a b Dähnert W (2011). Radiology Review Manual. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. p. 96. ISBN 9781609139438. Archived from the original on 2017-10-15.
  7. ^ Conaghan PG, O'Connor P, Isenberg DA (2010). Musculoskeletal Imaging. OUP Oxford. p. 231. ISBN 9780191575273. Archived from the original on 2017-10-15.
  8. ^ a b Joel A. DeLisa; Bruce M. Gans; Nicholas E. Walsh (2005). Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation: Principles and Practice. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. pp. 881–. ISBN 978-0-7817-4130-9. Archived from the original on 2017-01-07.
  9. ^ Mattu A, Chanmugam AS, Swadron SP, Tibbles C, Woolridge D, Marcucci L (2012). Avoiding Common Errors in the Emergency Department. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. p. 790. ISBN 9781451152852. Archived from the original on 2017-10-16.
  10. ^ Lee E (2017). Pediatric Radiology: Practical Imaging Evaluation of Infants and Children. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. p. Chapter 24. ISBN 9781496380272. Archived from the original on 2017-10-15.
  11. ^ Jones R (June 1902). "I. Fracture of the Base of the Fifth Metatarsal Bone by Indirect Violence". Annals of Surgery. 35 (6): 697–700.2. PMC 1425723. PMID 17861128.