What Is a Jones Fracture Fixation?

A Jones fracture is a fracture of the bone on the pinky toe side of your foot, the fifth metatarsal bone. Jones fracture fixation is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that stabilizes the bone and expedites recovery.

Depending on the fracture pattern and the surgeon's preference, two main techniques are used: open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) or intramedullary screw fixation. Both methods offer faster healing, reduced malunion (improper healing) risk, and earlier weight-bearing compared to non-surgical options.

Why Is a Jones Fracture Fixation Performed?

Jones fractures can struggle to heal due to poor blood flow or movement at the break. Because this anatomy is so delicate, sometimes the foot does not heal correctly with non-surgical methods. If a cast or other non-surgical methods haven't helped, or the fracture reoccurs, a Jones fracture fixation might be the next step.

How To Prepare for a Jones Fracture Fixation

Pre-surgery preparation plays a crucial role in your recovery after a Jones fracture fixation. Here's what you need to do:

1. Talk to your surgeon: Inform them of any changes in your health, new medications, or concerns about the procedure. Ask your surgeon about the surgery, risks, benefits, and recovery expectations. Consider talking to someone who's already had the procedure.

2. Optimize your health: Stop taking anti-inflammatory medications (especially aspirin) a week before surgery to minimize bleeding. Quit smoking or significantly reduce it to improve healing and reduce infection risk.

3. Practice mobility: If possible, familiarize yourself with crutches or a walker before surgery.

4. Prepare your home: Prepare meals in advance, arrange transportation and home assistance, and pack comfortable clothes for post-surgery relaxation.

Remember, thorough pre-surgery preparation sets the stage for a smooth and successful recovery. Follow your doctor's instructions and reach out with any questions or concerns.

What Happens During a Jones Fracture Fixation?

Before the surgery begins, you'll be comfortably positioned, and you'll receive anesthesia to ensure a pain-free experience. The surgeon then makes an incision on the outer side of your foot to access the fractured metatarsal bone.

There are two main approaches to Jones fracture fixation:

1. Open Reduction and Internal Fixation (ORIF):

The surgeon meticulously realigns the broken bone fragments and stabilizes them with surgical screws. In some cases, wires or a plate may be used for additional support.

2. Intramedullary Screw Fixation:

The surgeon carefully aligns the bone pieces and creates a narrow channel through the center of the metatarsal. A long, thin screw is then inserted through the channel, effectively "splintering" the fracture from within.

Once the chosen approach is complete, the incision is closed, and your foot is secured in a splint. You'll need to take it easy for the next two to eight weeks and avoid putting weight on your foot. A walking brace or shoe may be needed until the bone heals completely.

Are There Risks Associated with a Jones Fracture Fixation?

Like any procedure, Jones fracture fixation has associated risks, including:

• Muscle damage (ACS): Pressure buildup in your muscles can reduce blood flow, requiring immediate attention.

• Misaligned healing (malunion): Broken bones may heal incorrectly, potentially needing correction.

• Incomplete healing (nonunion): Bones might not join completely, sometimes requiring additional treatment.

• Other tissue damage: Fractures can affect nearby muscles, nerves, and blood vessels, impacting movement.

• Re-breaking: Jones fractures have a higher risk of breaking again, so caution is essential.

• General surgery risks: Anesthesia, infection, bleeding, and nerve/blood vessel damage are possible, as with any surgery.

• Slow healing: In some cases, the bone may take longer than expected to heal fully.

• Screw issues: Rarely, the screw used for fixation might break or loosen, potentially requiring further intervention.

Discussing potential complications with your doctor helps you understand the risks and benefits of the procedure. However, Jones fracture fixation offers significant advantages for many patients, and following your doctor's instructions reduces the risk of potential difficulties.

Jones Fracture Fixation Recovery

During recovery, weight-bearing restrictions are crucial for optimal healing. For 7-14 days, you'll need to bear weight solely through your heel, avoiding pressure on the front of the foot. This "heel walking" phase typically lasts up to 6 weeks or potentially longer if the patient has preexisting health conditions. Then, a removable walking boot allows gradual weight-bearing reintroduction until complete bone healing. Generally, you can resume activity within 3-4 months.

Your doctor will prescribe physical therapy to help you regain strength and range of motion in the foot. Stitches will be removed after 10-14 days. Make sure you follow your doctor's instructions diligently for a smooth and complete recovery.

Specific fracture patterns and bone grafting procedures may need extended recovery periods. The implanted screw typically remains in place unless it starts causing discomfort. Remember, while surgery facilitates fracture repair, the primary focus is allowing the 5th metatarsal adequate time (6-8 weeks) to heal.

If you're suffering from a Jones fracture, make an appointment with our physicians to see if Jones fracture fixation is right for you.