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Fracture, Fifth Metatarsal (Avulsion, Jones Fractures), Sports Medicine

Ryan Reese, DO and Mark E. Lavallee, MD, CSCS, FACSM Reviewed 04/2019
 


BASICS

DESCRIPTION

  • Fractures of the proximal 5th metatarsal of the foot occur at different locations, often with different etiologies. Prognosis and treatment differ vastly, and there is potential to h...

DIAGNOSIS

HISTORY

  • Q: How and when did it occur?

  • A: Mechanism of injury is important to determine.

  • Q: Did athlete injure this foot previously?

  • A: Determine presence of previous fracture of the 5th metatars...

TREATMENT

Acute treatment: 
  • ANALGESIA:

    • Apply ice, rest, and elevate foot.

    • Oral pain relief (acetaminophen or tramadol) or topical lidocaine are often sufficient if reduction not necessary.

    • If reduction is...

ONGOING CARE

FOLLOW-UP RECOMMENDATIONS

Referral/disposition: 
  • Orthopedic referral for surgery as indicated above and for avulsion fractures that are displaced (rare), comminuted (rare), or involve >3...

REFERENCES

1
Bowes J, Buckley R. Fifth metatarsal fractures and current treatment. World J Orthop.  2016;7(12):793–800.
2
Cheung CN, Lui TH. Proximal fifth metatarsal fractures: anatomy, classificat...

ADDITIONAL READING

Porter DA. Fifth metatarsal jones fractures in the athlete. Foot Ankle Int.  2007;39(2):250–258. 

CLINICAL PEARLS

Physician responses to common patient questions: 
  • Q: How long until I can play again?

  • A: Avulsion fractures and diaphyseal stress fractures: up to 20 wk with conservative therapy. Type 1...

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