The fracture of the fifth metatarsal bone – which connects the ankle to the little toe – is a common injury and accounts for more than 50% of metatarsal bone fractures. The most significant of these fractures are:
1. The fracture of the base of the fifth metatarsal, also called a Jones Fracture – which is the most common – and can occur due to twisting of the foot, weight gain, or running on an uneven surface.
2. An avulsion fracture of the fifth metatarsal, known as a Dancer’s Fracture, is a spiral fracture that results from forcefully twisting the foot during physical activity.
Diagnosis:
Typically, diagnosis can be made through:
• Inquiring about the cause, timing, and manner of the injury.
• Symptoms such as pain, bruising, and swelling, in addition to difficulty walking.
• X-ray imaging, and occasionally, we might need a CT scan.
Treatment:
• Conservative treatment with casting, pain relievers, and rest. Generally, fractures of the fifth metatarsal bone of the foot are among the bones that heal quickly with casting (for a period of 4-6 weeks) and do not leave any marks, even if the fracture is significantly displaced.
• Rare cases of fractures may require surgical intervention and internal fixation.
Wishing you all good health and well-being.
Dr. Mahdi Abd Al-Sahib
Orthopedic surgeon
