Jones fractures occur when a person breaks their fifth metatarsal, which is the bone that joins their pinkie toe to the base of the foot. They are usually caused when sudden force is put on the outside of the foot with the foot twisted away from your body.
Repeated overuse, sports injuries, and falls are some of the most common causes of Jones fractures, and if the fracture is severe, the patient may require surgery.
Fortunately, Jones fractures can be treated with arthroscopic surgery, a minimally invasive approach that will reduce the chances of experiencing postoperative complications and speed up recovery.
Surgery for Jones fractures is often performed arthroscopically, with local or general anesthesia. 1 to 3 tiny incisions are made by the orthopedic surgeon to access the bone so that it can be aligned using screws, plates, rods, wires, and pins to promote healing. The arthroscope, a thin and small tube, is inserted through one of the incisions to achieve the repair of the Jones fracture. This surgical hardware squeezes the ends of the broken bone together, allowing them to fuse together easily and precisely.
Arthroscopic surgery entails a faster recovery time, so active people like athletes may prefer it. According to a study, the bone fails to knit together in 21% of Jones fractures treated without surgery, so if someone has this injury, it is highly recommended they visit their physician, who will subsequently refer them to a reputable, experienced orthopedic surgeon.
Some of the benefits of arthroscopy for a Jones fracture are:
With surgery, a person who has suffered a Jones fracture can expect to return to their usual activities in roughly 4 months. Complications such as non-union or re-fracture will extend the healing time if they occur, which is why you should follow the instructions given by your surgeon religiously after the procedure. It will also take the body longer to heal if the patient needs bone grafting to repair their Jones fracture.