Original research
The use of external fixation for treatment of the acute jones fracture: a retrospective review of 10 cases4

https://doi.org/10.1053/j.jfas.2004.03.002Get rights and content

Abstract

The purpose of this retrospective clinical study was to evaluate the clinical outcome of patients who underwent external fixation of acute Jones fractures. There were 10 patients with a mean age of 25.2 years; 9 of the patients were actively involved in athletics. Chart and radiograph review showed the mean clinical and radiographic healing times to be 5.7 and 6.5 weeks, respectively. Patients returned to preinjury activity levels at a mean 9 weeks postoperatively. Complications included 1 case each of localized cellulitis, asymptomatic nonunion, and refracture. Telephone inquiry performed at a mean 46 months postoperatively determined all patients to be pain-free and continuing to participate at their preinjury activity levels. External fixation is quick and easy to perform and provides a viable alternative to intramedullary screw fixation of Jones fractures in the young, active patient.

Section snippets

Materials and methods

This was a retrospective, clinical investigation of patients undergoing external fixation of type I Jones fractures in the senior author’s (C.M.L.) private practice from 1996 to 2001. Patients undergoing external fixation for midshaft or open fractures were excluded. Patients were only considered candidates for external fixation if they were young and active. Although the decision to perform the procedure was made on a case-by-case basis, this technique was generally reserved for those patients

Results

Comprehensive patient data can be found in Table 1. Ten patients met the inclusion criteria; there were 9 men and 1 woman. The mean patient age was 25.2 years (range, 15 to 49 years). Telephone follow-up inquiry was performed at an average 46 months postoperatively (range, 14 to 79 months). There were 2 high school basketball players, 1 amateur competitive tennis player, 1 football player, and 1 softball player. Each of these patients sustained their fracture while playing their chosen sport.

Discussion

External fixation offers several potential benefits in the treatment of acute Jones fractures. The procedure is quick and relatively easy to perform, decreasing surgical time. As with percutaneous screw fixation, external fixators obviate the need for extensive soft-tissue dissection. In addition, the possible anatomic concerns associated with the placement of intramedullary screws are avoided. External fixators can not only provide stability but also may be adjusted and decompressed, allowing

Conclusion

Given that external is quick, technically simple to perform, and yields clinical and radiographic healing rates comparable with intramedullary screw fixation, this technique provides a useful alternative to traditional fixation methods and may be included in treatment options for this fracture.

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  • Cited by (14)

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    4

    None of the authors received any financial support from any external source. None of the authors have any conflict of interest with the products used in this study.

    1

    Director, Podiatric Medical Residency Program.

    2

    Associate Director, Podiatric Residency Program.

    3

    Research Director, Podiatric Residency Program.

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