[Fractures of the base of the V metatarsal bone-current concepts revised]

Fractures of the base of the fifth metatarsal bone are one of the most frequent fractures to the foot and ankle. Despite the high frequency and although a number of studies are now available, treatment frequently does not follow the available evidence. Among the reasons is the inconsistent terminology used and that the studies available are neglected. The aim of this review is to present the current classifications, the available treatment studies and to derive evidence-based treatment recommendations. The term "Jones fracture" has been used inconsistently for different fracture entities and should, therefore, not be used anymore. Fractures are mostly classified according to Lawrence and Botte into three zones. However, the available studies demonstrate that type I and type II fractures according to Lawrence and Botte do not differ with respect to the prognosis. Both fractures can be successfully healed by functional treatment with weightbearing as tolerated. Consequently, a differentiation between these two zones does not seem to be meaningful. Therefore, they should be summarized as epi-metaphyseal fractures. Even dislocated, intra-articular, and multifragmentary fractures in this region can be functionally treated with good results. Fractures in the meta-diaphyseal region (Lawrence and Botte type III, distal to the IV and V intermetatarsal articulation) demonstrate a high rate of symptomatic non-unions after conservative treatment. Therefore, these fractures should be primarily treated operatively by closed reduction and intramedullary screw fixation.