Fractures of the 5th Metatarsal

Definition

What is a Fifth Metatarsal Fracture?
Fractures (breaks in the bone) are common in the fifth metatarsal – the long bone on the outside of the foot that connects to the little toe. These fractures usually occur from a twisting injury or result from trauma.

Fractures of the 5th Metatarsal can affect any part of the bone. Two of the more common types are:

  • Jones fracture. Jones fractures occur in a small area of the fifth metatarsal that receives less blood and is therefore more prone to either delayed union (slow healing) or nonunion (when the bone does not heal)
  • Avulsion fracture. In an avulsion fracture, a small piece of bone is pulled off the main portion of the bone by the peroneus tendon. This type of fracture is the result of an injury in which the ankle rolls. This fracture can have difficulty healing if the ankle is not properly immobilised, as it allows the peroneus tendon to continue to pull on the fracture and prevent it from healing.

Also Known As: Jones Fracture, Avulsion Fracture, Dancer's Fracture, Metatarsal Stress Fracture

Diagram of the Foot looking from above. It shows various types of fractures that involve the fifth metatarsal
Diagram of the Foot looking from above. It shows various types of fractures that involve the fifth metatarsal.
Symptoms
19 August, 2011