Published online Apr 18, 2022. doi: 10.5312/wjo.v13.i4.408
Peer-review started: October 4, 2021
First decision: December 9, 2021
Revised: December 12, 2021
Accepted: March 27, 2022
Article in press: March 27, 2022
Published online: April 18, 2022
Processing time: 190 Days and 6.9 Hours
Jones type fifth metatarsal fractures pose a challenge to the foot and ankle surgeon, given documented high nonunion rates as well as high complication rates including hardware prominence, nerve injury, and screw breakage for existing treatment modalities including screw and plantar plate fixation. We call for the design of innovative Jones-fracture specific implants which contour to the natural curve of the fifth metatarsal. Future research should aim to expand upon existing literature for Jones fracture fixation and evaluate efficacy of novel implants which are designed to address unacceptably high complication rates for existing treatment modalities.
Core Tip: Jones type fifth metatarsal fractures have high rates of complications and fixation failure. While intramedullary screw fixation is the current accepted treatment modality, we call for innovation in the treatment options for Jones fracture fixation to more appropriately address the challenges seen with this fracture pattern in the high level athlete.