Metatarsal bones are in themidfoot, just behind the phalanges (toes).
The fifth metatarsal bone lies on the outer edge of your foot and connects to your little toe.
The metatarsals curve upward and give your foot its arch.
Dr Neal Blitz NYC
The fifth metatarsal is unique in that it also curves outward.
That’s because a powerful tendon, called theperoneus Brevis tendon, attaches to the base of the metatarsal.
When twisted, it can transmit a strong enough force to break the bone.
They’re most common with lower-force injuries or direct blunt trauma, like stubbing your little toe.
These fractures tend to be unstable and may require surgery.
The fracture line may even spiral and rotate throughout the bone.
Sometimes it’ll cause the bone to chip into smaller pieces (called comminution).
It occurs near the back of the bone at an anatomic location called the metaphyseal-diaphyseal junction.
This is especially true if the fracture further impedes circulation.
The surgery generally involves placing a single screw into the canal of the bone to stabilize it.
When a Jones fracture is treated without surgery,a castis required for six to 12 weeks.
Avulsion Fractures
The avulsion fracture is by far the most common fifth metatarsal fracture.
It occurs in the rear-most portion of the bone, closest to the ankle.
It’s frequently confused with a Jones fracture and often referred to as a pseudo-Jones fracture.
It may involve a portion of the bone or fully fracture the bone into segments.
Most avulsion fractures of the fifth metatarsal don’t require surgery.
They’re more often treated with protective immobilization, such as a fracture boot.
Surgerymay be needed if the bones are unacceptably separated, angulated, or displaced.
Frequently Asked Questions
It depends.
Some people are still able to bear weight on their foot after a metatarsal fracture.
The ability to walk does not necessarily mean the foot is not broken.
However, putting weight on a broken foot will typically be very painful and is not advised.
A fractured fifth metatarsal is typically treated with immobilization in a walking cast or boot cast.
Some fractures may require surgery.
A fracture close to the toes, for example, often requires surgery to set the bone.
A simple metatarsal fracture typically heals after six to eight weeks of immobilization.
You will likely be able to bear weight on the cast after a few days or a week.
If the fracture requires surgery, it can take longer to heal.
You may not be able to put any weight on the broken foot for up to six weeks.
Physical therapy may be needed to restore full functioning.
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Treasure Island, FL: StatPearls Publishing; January 2019.
Lareau CR, Anderson RB.Jones fractures: pathophysiology and treatment.JBJS Rev.
2017;18(1):534. doi:10.1186/s12891-017-1893-6
