Greenstick Fractures.Īmerican Academy of Pediatrics. Concerns with delayed healing and/or high activity demands may result in your doctor recommending surgery for an acute Jones fracture as well.National Library of Medicine StatPearls. When this happens, surgery is often required. In some cases, a Jones fracture may not heal at all, a condition called nonunion. The appropriate treatment depends on the location of the fracture, the amount of displacement (shifting of the two ends of the fracture), and activity level of the patient.īecause Jones fractures are located in an area with poor blood supply, they may take longer to heal. If an avulsion fracture results in a large displaced fracture fragment, however, your doctor may need to do an open reduction and internal fixation with plates and/or intramedullary screws. Most fifth metatarsal fractures can be treated with weight bearing as tolerated, and immobilization in a cast or walking boot. It is one of the most common fractures of the foot and has unique characteristics that make it more likely to require surgery. X-ray shows an avulsion fracture at the base of the fifth metatarsal (arrow).Īn avulsion fracture is also sometimes called a "ballerina fracture" or "dancer's fracture" because of the pointe position that ballet dancers assume when they are up on their toes.Ī Jones fracture is a horizontal or transverse fracture at the base of the fifth metatarsal. Since the fragment is pulled away from the rest of the bone, this type of injury is called an avulsion fracture. In this type of injury, the tendon that attaches to the base of the fifth metatarsal may stretch and pull a fragment of bone away from the base. This usually occurs from an injury where the foot and ankle are twisted downward and inward. Most commonly, the fifth metatarsal fractures through the base of the bone. Injuries to this bone may act differently than fractures of the other four metatarsals. The fifth metatarsal is the long bone on the outside of your foot. If you have an open fracture, however, your doctor will perform surgery more urgently. Surgery may be delayed for several days to allow the swelling in your foot to go down. However, if you have fractured several metatarsals at the same time and your foot is deformed or unstable, you may need surgery.ĭuring the procedure, your doctor will make an incision in your foot, then insert pins or plates and screws to hold the bones in place while they heal. This is followed by gradual weight bearing, as tolerated, in a cast or walking boot. Most metatarsal fractures can be treated with an initial period of elevation and limited weight bearing. High-impact activities like running can lead to stress fractures in the metatarsals.Ī stress fracture can also come from a sudden increase in physical activity or a change in your exercise routine. You will be given a local anesthetic to numb your foot, and your doctor will then manipulate the fracture back into place to straighten your toe. This procedure is most often done in the doctor's office.
If the bone is out of place and your toe appears deformed, it may be necessary for your doctor to manipulate, or reduce, the fracture. Taping your broken toe to an adjacent toe can also sometimes help relieve pain. During this time, it may be helpful to wear a wider than normal shoe. As your pain subsides, however, you can begin to bear weight as you are comfortable. For several days, it may be painful to bear weight on your injured toe. Most broken toes can be treated without surgery. If the bone is out of place, your toe will appear deformed. Because it is the longest of the toe bones, it is the most likely to fracture.Ī fractured toe may become swollen, tender, and discolored. The proximal phalanx is the toe bone that is closest to the metatarsals. A fracture may also result if you accidentally hit the side of your foot on a piece of furniture on the ground - and your toes are twisted or pulled sideways or in an awkward direction. Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle Fractures of the ToesĮven though toes are small, injuries to the toes can often be quite painful.Ī fracture of the toe may result from a direct injury, such as dropping a heavy object on the front of your foot, or from accidentally kicking or running into a hard object.
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