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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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How Long Does Fracture To 5th Metatarsal Take To Heal?

I have a jones fracture of the 5th metatarsal. The break happened 4 weeks ago. I had my follow up appointment today and the break has separated more than it had 4 weeks ago. My doctor said I shouldn t be deterred yet and it may still heal. I have put no weight on it and it s gotten worse. Can I believe in what the doctors saying, that there is stil hope might heal?
Wed, 19 Oct 2022
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Anesthesiologist 's  Response
Hello,

Jones fractures usually require surgery, and have higher risks for complications than other types of foot fractures. A displaced fracture means the pieces of your bone moved so much that a gap formed around the fracture when your bone broke. Displaced fractures are much more likely to require surgery to repair, non-displaced fractures are less likely to need surgery. yours might be a displaced fracture.

The treatment options are immobilization by a boot or a cast for at least 6-8 weeks, closed reduction, and internal fixation or surgery. Therefore, it takes minimum of 6-8 weeks for the fracture to heal. You still have hope. If at all it won't heal, next option is surgery but it's a minor surgical procedure. Hence, please relax and take more of calcium supplements.

Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Pallavi M., Anesthesiologist
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How Long Does Fracture To 5th Metatarsal Take To Heal?

Hello, Jones fractures usually require surgery, and have higher risks for complications than other types of foot fractures. A displaced fracture means the pieces of your bone moved so much that a gap formed around the fracture when your bone broke. Displaced fractures are much more likely to require surgery to repair, non-displaced fractures are less likely to need surgery. yours might be a displaced fracture. The treatment options are immobilization by a boot or a cast for at least 6-8 weeks, closed reduction, and internal fixation or surgery. Therefore, it takes minimum of 6-8 weeks for the fracture to heal. You still have hope. If at all it won t heal, next option is surgery but it s a minor surgical procedure. Hence, please relax and take more of calcium supplements. Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Pallavi M., Anesthesiologist