Fractures of the base of the fifth metatarsal - The Jones fracture

Three types of fractures occur at the base of the fifth metatarsal. Tuberos ity avulsion fractures are treated symptomatically and usually unite within 3 weeks. Because of poor vascularity, the Jones fracture has been subject to slow union, nonunion, and other problems. Acute fractures of the junctio n of the proximal diaphysis (the true Jones fracture) usually are treated w ith an intramedullary screw in athletes and with a molded orthotic or a sho rt leg cast and nonweightbearing in nonathletes. Stress fractures of the pr oximal diaphyseal metaphyseal junction may be treated with nonweightbearing ambulation, corticocancellous bone grafting, intramedullary screw fixation , or pulsed electromagnetic field therapy.