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Jones fracture

(6 discussions)

5 weeks ago I fractured my 5th metatarsal bone(Jones fracture).
It had “minimal” displacement.
I have been wearing and sleeping in a removable boot and keeping my weight off of the foot.
I was warned that it would take 4-6 weeks to heal because the fracture occured in a part of the bone that gets poor blood supply.After two weeks the first set of Xrays showed the bone had not started to heal.My foot doesn’t hurt per se, but it is still swollen and it doesn’t feel that it is getting any better.
I am due for another set of XRays Monday.My question is,is it normal for my foot(and ankle)to be still swollen after five weeks?
Thank you very much


6 comments

    Vivian Abrams DPM

    9 10

    Yes it is very possible to still be swollen. There is nothing magical about 6 weeks for this or any other fracture. All that we usually see is external bone callus at 6 weeks. That indicates healing is progressing NOT that the fracture is healed. That actually can take months before all the remodelling is done. Be patient, and if necessary, ask about a bone stimulator. Some insurance companies won’t pay for them though.

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    9 10

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    9 10

    Dr Abrams,My second set of Xrays (at the 5th week since my jones fracture)showed there was no bone callus,however my DPM said he did see grey between the fracture and told me that was sign of healing. The swelling seems to be going down a bit and my foot feels a bit “firmer”. I asked the DPM about bone stimulation and he told me (as you also suggested)that most insurance companies won’t pay for this process until it is shown there is no union after three or four months. I understand that I have to be patient with this injury. That’s not a problem.My questions are: (1)should I be more insistent in regard to pursuing bone stimulation before 3 or 4 months,given there is no bone callus?(2)If my foot is not going to have a union by just wearing a boot and keeping my weight off of it,how many weeks will I have to wait until he starts me on the next course(ie surgery?)Thank you very much.

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    9 10

    in germany I had a rod placed in foot to secure a jones fracture about 6 years ago.since then I have played aggressive field sports successfully.until 3 weeks ago. I was playing basketball and standing on my tip toes when without warning my foot buckled outward, and I rolled my ankle. it felt like a really bad sprain of my ankle. I heard a pop and had to stop playing (though I did re enter the game some 12 minutes later).that night, swelling, hot and very painful.next day, sore, swelling. I thought it was still just a bad ankle sprain.but its been 3 weeks and my foot is still sensitive. not the ankle, but area between my ankle bone and 5th metatarsal. when I simulate the motion that caused the intitial trauma it is clear that there is still some big problems w/ foot, ie pain.i’m wondering if maybe the rigidity of the rod in my foot prevented some normal motion of the foot causing some trauma like a hairline fracture?

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    9 10

    : Be patient, and if necessary, ask about a bone stimulator. Some insurance companies won’t pay for them though.

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    9 10

    This is October 18 and I broke my foot on June 14 and Monday I face surgery of a bone graft and a screw after 4 months of “conservative” treatment. I am not an athlete but an 8 to 10 hour a day deli manager that spends her day on her feet. Just a week ago after weeks of trying it on my feet I decided I couldn’t take it any more and had to leave my job. Now I face 6 weeks of non-weight bearing treatment after a bone graft and screw is in place. My question is, “Will I be able to lead an active life as before?” My husband and I are active outdoor people who love to boat and hike and climb….will I be able to resume the life I had before or will I at the age of 42 have to give that up? I am too young to be old and too old to be young but I sure do enjoy life. I only want my life back and hope that is what I will get out of the surgery I will undergo just one day after tomorrow. Anyone with any insight? Thanks… Donna

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