What This Procedure Involves
Small incision over the base of the fifth metatarsal. Under X-ray guidance, an intramedullary screw is inserted along the metatarsal canal. Takes 30–45 minutes.
Jones fracture fixation stabilises a fracture at the base of the fifth metatarsal using an intramedullary screw. This watershed zone has poor blood supply and high non-union rates without surgery.
Small incision over the base of the fifth metatarsal. Under X-ray guidance, an intramedullary screw is inserted along the metatarsal canal. Takes 30–45 minutes.
For acute Jones fractures in athletes, delayed unions, non-unions, and recurrent stress fractures. Non-union rates up to 25–30% without surgery.
Non-weight-bearing cast six to eight weeks. Higher non-union rates.
X-rays. MRI if stress fracture suspected. Day case.
Union rates approximately 95%. Athletes return faster with fixation.
Numbness on outer foot.
Palpable.
Despite fixation, approximately 5%.
After return to sport.
If union delayed.
Local ankle block, regional, or general anaesthesia.
Weight-bearing in boot immediately. Normal shoes at four to six weeks. Running at eight to ten weeks. Sport at ten to twelve weeks.
X-rays at six weeks and three months.
The Jones zone has a watershed blood supply making healing unpredictable without fixation.