Question re: 5th Metatarsal fracture

[SharJ]

I broke my foot the first week of October. I was told I have a Jones Fracture. Why is this fracture hard to heal? I was told I will be in a cast for 3 months. I am in a non-weight bearing cast now. This is the 5th time I have broken this foot, not the same kind of fracture.

[SharJ]

Thank you for your answers to my  question. It does help me have a better idea of what is going on and exactly where the jones fracture is located.

Sharj

[Dr_Veena]

Hi,
     Thanks for writing in. Jones fracture or dancer’s fracture is a fracture of the fifth metatarsal of the foot. The fifth metatarsal is at the base of the small toe, and the proximal end, where the Jones fracture occurs, is in the midportion of the foot. Patients who sustain a Jones fracture have pain over this middle/outside area of their foot, swelling, and difficulty walking.

Treatment of an acute Jones fracture that is not significantly displaced consists of a cast, splint or walking boot for 4-8 weeks. In case of non healing cast can remain for about 20 weeks. A Jones fracture often does not heal for several reasons. This location is an area of poor blood supply. In addition there are various tendons attaching in the area pulling the fracture apart causing motion at the site of healing
If it is not healing then surgical treatment can be taken up.
But as you mentioned, of repeated fractures, further work up needs to be done to find out the cause, which could be osteporosis, osteopenia, stress fractures in athletes, over uefractures, rheumatoid arthritis etc.

Consult your doctor for further assistance.
Take care.