Proximal diaphyseal fractures of the fifth metatarsal (Jones' fracture): two cases treated by cross-pinning with review of 106 cases.

Two young males with proximal diaphyseal fractures of the fifth metatarsal (Jones' fractures), one acute and one with delayed union, have been presented and healed with percutaneous cross-pinning, shortleg casting, and partial weightbearing. Both healed without complications in 7 and 11 weeks, respectively. Both were followed for more than 2 years. In the acute Jones' fracture the treatment of choice is a nonweightbearing shortleg cast for 8 weeks. In the symptomatic nondisplaced delayed union the author favors percutaneous cross-pinning, shortleg cast, and partial weightbearing. Intramedullary screw fixation is an alternative. In the patient with symptomatic nonunion, bone grafting is the treatment of choice. Asymptomatic patients with radiographically unhealed fractures require no treatment. One hundred six cases of the Jones' fracture are reviewed.