A retrospective review of the effect of metatarsus adductus on healing time in the fifth metatarsal jones fracture.

PURPOSE: The fifth metatarsal Jones fracture is a unique injury. Previous studies have identified possible biomechanical risk factors related to this fracture, as well as potential subsequent effects on bone healing complications. The purpose of this retrospective study was to determine the effect of metatarsus adductus (MAA) on bone healing in patients following intramedullary screw fixation of the Jones fracture.

METHODS: This study reviewed 14 Jones fractures that underwent intramedullary screw fixation. Serial radiographs taken approximately every two weeks were evaluated to determine bone healing time (BHT). Weight-bearing antero-posterior radiographs were used to determine the MAA using standard osseous landmarks.

RESULTS: There was a strong positive correlation between MAA and BHT. Moderate correlations were also found between age and BHT and between age and MAA. A prediction algorithm derived from the regression model shows that 63.2% of the variability in the Jones fracture healing time (BHT) can be predicted by a minimum of 22.7 days increased by an average of 1.23 days for each degree of MAA.

CONCLUSION: This study suggests healing time in Jones fractures to be highly related to the MAA following intramedullary screw fixation. The ability to predict osseous union of Jones fracture offers advantages such as patient expectations as well as individualized rehabilitation programs.