Fifth metatarsal Jones fracture fixation with a 4.5-mm cannulated stainless steel screw in the competitive and recreational athlete: a clinical and radiographic evaluation.
BACKGROUND
Fifth metatarsal Jones fractures are common in the athletic population. Optimal screw selection for operative treatment has not been determined.


OBJECTIVE
A 4.5-mm cannulated screw used for fixation of the fifth metatarsal Jones fractures in athletes is an effective treatment approach.


METHODS
Case series; Level of evidence, 4.


METHODS
The authors studied 23 consecutive athletes (24 feet) who were treated surgically with a 4.5-mm cannulated screw for fifth metatarsal fractures (Jones fracture) with clinical and radiographic assessments.


RESULTS
There have been no refractures to date. Clinical healing was 100%. The mean percentage healing as shown on radiographs was 98.9%, with a range of 90% to 100%. All athletes returned to sport at a mean time of 7.5 weeks (range, 10 days to 12 weeks). Two athletes experienced a "reinjury" without need for operative treatment. All athletes were recommended to wear orthoses until their competitive careers were completed.


CONCLUSIONS
Fixation with a stainless steel 4.5-mm cannulated screw gives 100% clinical healing and near-100% healing as shown on radiographs.


CONCLUSIONS
The 4.5-mm cannulated screws can yield reliable and effective healing as evidenced by clinical assessment and radiographs of fifth metatarsal Jones fractures in athletes.
Porter
David A
DA
Thomas A. Brady Clinic, Methodist Sports Medicine Center, 201 Pennsylvania Parkway, Suite 200, Indianapolis, IN 46280, USA. dporter@methodistsports.com
Duncan
Melissa
M
Meyer
Susan J F
SJ
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001265:Athletic Injuries / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D001863:Bone Screws; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D018409:Foot Injuries / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods*; D017102:Fracture Healing; D015775:Fractures, Stress / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008682:Metatarsal Bones / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries*; D010146:Pain / Q000209:etiology; D010147:Pain Measurement; D011859:Radiography; D020127:Recovery of Function; D016896:Treatment Outcome