Fractures of the Fifth Metatarsal

The fifth metatarsal is the long bone on the outer foot that is attached to the pinky toe. This bone is a common site of fractures or breaks that often occurs as one of two types:

An avulsion fracture in which a small bone fragment is dislocated from the main part of the bone by a tendon or ligament. This type of fracture results in response to an injury when the ankle rolls. Avulsion fractures sometimes are not noticed when they result in conjunction with an ankle sprain.

A Jones fracture affects a small portion of the fifth metatarsal that receives less blood and therefore takes longer to heal. This type of fracture presents as either a stress fracture or an acute (sudden) break. A stress fracture is a tiny hairline break that develops over time. Contributing factors of Jones fractures are overuse, repetitive stress and trauma. Jones fractures are less common and less responsive to treatments than avulsion fractures.

Avulsion and Jones fractures share the same signs and symptoms, including:

Dr. Radovic will examine the foot by gently pressing on different areas to determine the location of pain. X-rays will be ordered to determine the extent of injury. A Jones fracture sometimes is not revealed on initial x-rays, so additional imaging studies may be necessary for diagnosis.

Patients are advised to follow the “R.I.C.E.” protocol until an appointment with Dr. Radovic can be made. This method of care is as follows:

Dr. Radovic may recommend one of the following conservative treatments for a fifth metatarsal fracture:

Immobilization: Methods may vary based on the severity of injury and can include a cast, a cast boot or stiff-soled shoe. Crutches may also be used to relieve weight from the affected foot.

Bone stimulation: A pain-free external machine is used to accelerate the healing of select fractures. Bone stimulation is most often used for Jones fractures and may be included as a treatment if patients do not show improvement from immobilization.

Surgery may be necessary in the presence of a displaced bone, multiple breaks or inadequate healing after injury. Dr. Radovic will choose the most suitable procedure for each individual patient.

To learn about Fifth Metatarsal Surgery