Jones fracture is a type of fracture in the fifth metatarsal of the foot that can be mistaken for a sprain. It can be treated with casting or surgery, depending on the severity. Healing time varies, and it can be complicated by reduced blood supply.
A Jones fracture is a distinct type of fracture involving the fifth metatarsal of the foot. This bone is the long bone that runs along the outside of the foot to connect with the little toe. People with this type of fracture are often unaware that a fracture has occurred, mistaking the pain and swelling for a simple sprain. This can be a problem, as they can exacerbate the fracture by not seeking attention in a timely manner.
Jones’ fracture, named after Sir Robert Jones, who described it in 1902 and mentioned sustaining the injury while dancing, occurs at the base of the fifth metatarsal, just near the joint around the midfoot. This area of the bone has a reduced blood supply, which can complicate healing. In severe fractures, there may be multiple pieces of bone at the fracture site, and the bone may also be displaced. The fracture can be identified in a series of X-rays that have side and top views of the foot.
For a minor Jones fracture, casting may be enough. While the foot is in a cast, the patient must maintain weight on the foot, using crutches or boots. Splinting can also be used. For more severe fractures and chronic fractures, surgery may be required. During surgery, a surgeon will clean the area of the fracture, reposition the bone, fix the bone if necessary, then cast the foot so the bone is protected as it heals.
A closely related injury is an avulsion injury to the fifth metatarsal bone, caused when a piece of bone is torn away by the strain of a tendon. Avulsion injuries can occur when the foot is abruptly twisted or when it experiences blunt trauma. Because these conditions can also cause a Jones fracture, sometimes both are seen at the same time.
This fracture is also known as a dancer’s fracture or simply as a fracture of the fifth metatarsal bone in the foot. The healing time for a Jones fracture varies depending on the patient’s health and the severity of the fracture. For example, a young child may heal within a few weeks, while an older adult may experience a longer healing period. Sometimes the fracture also fails to heal when the foot is fused, in which case surgery may be needed to determine why the fracture isn’t healing properly.
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