Three Patterns
- Acute fractures from a direct blow or twisting injury.
- Stress fractures from repetitive overload - common in runners and soldiers, often involving the second or third metatarsal shaft.
- Jones fractures at the base of the fifth metatarsal - notorious for slow healing and high nonunion rate.
Diagnosis
Plain radiographs identify most fractures; stress fractures may not appear for 2–3 weeks and sometimes require MRI for early diagnosis.
Treatment
Most non-displaced shaft fractures heal in 4–8 weeks with a stiff postoperative shoe or walking boot. Jones fractures and displaced fractures often benefit from internal fixation - particularly in athletes - to ensure timely return to activity. Dr. O’Carroll matches the treatment plan to the fracture pattern, your activity demands, and your healing timeline.