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5th Metatarsal 'Jones' Fracture

Posted , 4 users are following.

sharon06657
sharon06657

Hi all, I have sustained an undisplaced fracture of the base of the fifth metatarsal of my left foot. X-ray confirms that this it's a Jones’ type fracture (Zone 2).  At the present time, I am immobilised in a pneumatic walker non-weight bearing. I've been told that unfortunately fractures in Zone 2 at the base of the fifth metatarsal do carry a fairly high risk of non union and delayed union and I am extremely worried about this.  My consutalnt has discussed the options of treatment which is NWB in a boot with crutches for 12 weeks and, if no union happens surgical fixation but we have to get to the 12 weeks first before he decided.

I am scheduled to go back for an X-ray in 5 weeks (I am week one after the accident) and wondered if anyone else out there has sustained the same injury or can give me any advice.  I have upped by intake of Calcium and Vit D and am staying off the foot 90% of the day and am only resting on heel when necessary to make a drink etc.

I really don't know how I am going to manage 12 weeks like this and wonder if I should consider surgery now as I have no idea whether I will get a union or non union... it's a bit like throwing a dice and not knowing your fate!  Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you!

1 like, 9 replies

9 Replies

  • kristen78313
    kristen78313 sharon06657

    Posted

    Hi Sharon06657, I had/have the same exact injury. I originally broke it back in January 2015 and was given the choice of surgery or a walking boot for 11 weeks with crutches. I was never told NWB so I walked in it for the 11 weeks. After the 11 weeks I needed surgery. It was non-union. I now have a two inch 5mm screw in my left foot.

    Since you are NWB I suggest getting a knee scooter as it will make it a ton easier getting around plus you won't develop blisters on the palms of your hands. Also make sure you elevate it as much as possible.

    • sharon06657
      sharon06657 kristen78313

      Posted

      Thanks for your reply Kristen.  How are you doing now and how long were you immobile after the op?  I'm unsure whether to just tell my consultant to do the surgery now or wait the 6 weeks and see what happens.  I've read so many reviews about this injury and I feel somewhat disheartened at the success rate of non surgery.
    • kristen78313
      kristen78313

      Posted

      I was in a hard cast for a month and used a knee scooter when I could.

      My only issue is that I can feel the screw and still have pain and discomfort.

    • sharon06657
      sharon06657 kristen78313

      Posted

      Thanks for your reply. I think I might have to get another appt to discuss it with my consultant.  Although the fact that you can feel the screw is disturbing. 
    • kristen78313
      kristen78313 sharon06657

      Posted

      Trust me I didn't want to feel it. But I can. My surgery was April 2nd and after being in a hard cast non weight bearing for a month I had to go through physical therapy. If I could post a picture of my screw and what my foot looks like now I would.

      Something to consider too is if you are in the UK versus the U.S. Which is where I am and I am sure things are done a bit different.

  • jp66967
    jp66967 sharon06657

    Posted

    Follow your sensible (and safe) orthopaedic advise. Do not try and outsmart   experience.
  • JMas52
    JMas52 sharon06657

    Posted

    Hey all.

    I had a non displaced fracture of the fifth metartarsal 3 weeks ago today while landing in a basketball game. The fracture is lower down the bone than the 'Jones' region, slightly into the skinnier part (xray attached), and was a decent fracutre, going around 2/3 to 3/4 of the way through the bone. The first 2 weeks I non-weight bared (crutches with a bandage). After 2 weeks I could walk fully weight baring with minimal pain and my physio informed me I walk with the assistance of crutches, partial weight bare and that I could swim, of which I did throughout the next week with no pain. I can now at 3 weeks walk around the house full weight baring, but still use the crutches when leaving the house and am able to do some rehab (leg press and other leg weight machines). I intend to play in a tornament 4 weeks from now (7 weeks total) is this realistic, and is it normal to progress through your recovery this quickly, because i've become nervous from the online "horror" stroies (5'11 155 pounds 18y.o male)

  • tay83
    tay83 sharon06657

    Posted

    Hi Sharon06657, how did your revovery go? 2 weeks and 2 days ago i suffered an acute zone 2, 5th metatarsal facture that is completely broken in half, however non-displaced.
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