Jones Fracture Treatment: A Novel Surgical Technique and Case Series

Jones fractures remain a challenging treatment entity in orthopaedics. Biomechanical stresses, including increased fifth metatarsal (5MT) lateral angle deviation (MLAD), are associated with increased fracture and refracture rates. Current fixation techniques produce good outcomes; however, they do not address metatarsal morphology, which can predispose to refracture. This study describes a novel surgical technique and case series utilizing intramedullary screw fixation and distal metatarsal corrective osteotomy for the management of Jones fractures.

A retrospective case series was undertaken, including 22 consecutive Jones fracture patients operated on by a single surgeon. Patient demographics, imaging, and operative information were obtained, with return to sport/previous function and radiological outcomes, including fracture union being the outcomes of interest. The surgical technique utilizes a distal osteotomy of the 5MT followed by retrograde guidewire and drilling utilizing the osteotomy. A cannulated screw is passed antegrade along the entire length of the 5MT with manual MLAD correction. Autograft or bone substitute (Augment) was then injected at the fracture site.

Median age was 30 years (Q1, Q3: 18, 49 years). Median time from injury to operation was 13 weeks (Q1, Q3: 9, 30 weeks), and clinical follow-up period was 37 months (Q1, Q3: 14, 74 months). Radiological union was achieved at a median of 12 weeks (Q1, Q3: 8, 15 weeks) with clinical union at 11 weeks (Q1, Q3: 8, 14 weeks). All but one patient returned to preinjury functional levels, including 6 professional athletes who returned to preinjury national competition. No refractures were identified.

The technique described in this study is a viable and safe means of managing Jones fractures. The technique may be particularly useful in patients with excessive MLAD.

Level IV: Retrospective case series.