Jones Fracture Treatment in Baton Rouge

A fracture is when a bone breaks or cracks into 2 or more pieces. This can occur with an abrupt injury or as a stress fracture resulting from gradual overuse. A Jones fracture is a specific and common fracture of the 5th metatarsal in the foot. The 5th metatarsal is a long bone on the outside of the mid-foot. Each metatarsal bone has a head, neck, shaft and base. A Jones fracture is a break between the base and shaft of the 5th metatarsal, an area known as the metaphyseal area of the bone. This area receives less blood than other areas of the 5th metatarsal, so it can take longer to heal.

An acute Jones fracture can occur with twisting or rolling of the foot, such as stepping in a hole or an awkward misstep. Often these are not big falls, just the wrong twist. Jones fractures can be missed on initial x-rays and mistaken for a sprain . The most common sport for Jones fracture is probably basketball. Basketball players place tremendous pressure through the bones of the foot and combine that with sudden push off and jumping. Distance runners can suffer a Jones fracture in the form of an overuse injury or a stress fracture.

Symptoms of a Jones fracture are similar to other foot fractures . The injured foot will typically be bruised and swollen. There will be pain in the area of the fracture, and it is usually too painful to weight bear on the injured foot. Elevation, compression and application of ice can help reduce symptoms while awaiting a diagnosis.

A Jones fracture can usually be diagnosed with a series of regular x-rays. As a Jones fracture heals, it may be necessary to order an MRI to better evaluate healing.

What makes a Jones fracture different from other metatarsal fractures is the decreased blood supply to the area where a Jones fracture occurs. Many of these fractures will heal with 6 to 8 weeks of non-weightbearing in a cast or boot. A Jones fracture can take up to 12 weeks to heal. A device called an external bone stimulator is a helpful adjunct for treating Jones fractures. This device can be ordered by your doctor. It uses an ultrasound current to enhance bone healing. An external bone stimulator is placed on the skin near the fracture for 20 minutes a day and is not painful to use.

A non-union is when a fractured bone fails to heal within an expected time frame. It is estimated that 15 to 20% of Jones fractures fail to heal with non-operative treatments. Some of the most common risk factors for non-union include tobacco use, steroid medications, obesity, diabetes and low vitamin D level.

Elite athletes often elect for surgery in the acute setting of a Jones fracture. This is understandable because time off can be critical in the elite athletic setting. Surgery for a Jones fracture is also indicated when a fracture fails to heal with non-operative treatment. Studies have shown that approximately 95% of Jones fractures heal well with surgical treatment. The surgery for a Jones fracture involves placing a special type of screw across the bone. This brings together or compresses the fractured pieces of bone. The recovery entails 6 to 8 weeks non-weightbearing followed by 4 weeks of protected weightbearing in a removal boot. The screw is usually left in place, unless it causes problems.

If you have suffered a suspected Jones fracture, it is important to see a foot specialist as soon as possible to evaluate the injury and begin the process of treatment. In the Baton Rouge area, Dr. Patrick Hall is a skilled podiatrist treating all matter of conditions and injuries affecting the foot and ankle. Contact our office today to request an appointment.