Jones Fracture

A Jones fracture is a fracture at metaphyseal-diaphyseal junction at the base of the fifth metatarsal. It is located within 1.5 cm distal to tuberosity of 5th metatarsal base and should not be confused with the more common avulsion fracture of the styloid process of the fifth metatarsal. It was first described in 1902 by Sir Robert Jones in a paper called “Fractures of the Base of the First Metatarsal Bone by Indirect Violence.”

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Here is Sir Roberts Jone’s original description of the fracture in himself:

SOME months ago, whilst dancing, I trod on the outer side
of my foot, my heel at the moment being off the ground. Some-
thing gave way midway down my foot, and I at once suspected a
rupture of the peroneus longus tendon. By the help of a friend
I managed to walk to my cab, a distance of over 300 or 400 yards.
The following morning I carefully examined my foot and dis-
covered that my tendon was intact. There was a slight swelling
over the base of the fifth metatarsal bone. I endeavored to obtain
crepitus and failed. A finger on the spot gave exquisite pain.
Body pressure on the toes, even the slightest, was painful; but
when the pressure was deviated to the outer side the pain was
still greater. Extension of the ankle and flexion of the toes were
immediately felt at the base of the fifth metatarsal.

I could recall many cases which had come to me with
similar symptoms arising from the transmission of body
weight to a foot during the position of equino varus. In most
cases I had in robust fashion vainly searched for crepitus;
in all, the disability lasted several weeks.

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