Abstract

Purpose: Zone I fractures of the fifth metatarsal bone can generally be treated by conservative methods while both surgical and conservative methods are used for zone II fractures. However, the clinical results of conservative treatment have been rarely reported. The purpose of this study is to report the clinical results of conservative treatment for zone I and II nondisplaced fractures. Materials and Methods: Between July 2007 and August 2008, consecutive thirty seven patients (38 fractures) with zone I and II fractures of the fifth metatarsal bone were treated with tolerable weight bearing and minimum duration of immobilization based on pain on weight bearing. We evaluated the duration of immobilization, time to clinical and radiographic union, and time to pre-injury activity level. Results: Clinical and radiological union were achieved in all patients without any complications including malunion or nonunion. The mean duration of immobilization was 28.7 days. The mean 33.1 days and 48.9 days were required for clinical union and radiographic union respectively, after the initial injury. The mean time to pre-injury activity level was 4.8 months. Conclusion: Our study shows that the acute nondisplaced zone I, II fracture of fifth metatarsal bone can be treated effectively using tolerable weight bearing and minimum duration of immobilization, which is based on the pain on weight bearing.

Keywords

• Fifth metatarsal bone;
• Jones fracture;
• Conservative treatment