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Jones fracture

(3 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


3 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

    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

      test. ignore it. (waivegip)

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