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I am a 24 year old female with a Jones fracture.What will happen if it is left untreated?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I am a 24 year old female with a Jones fracture. I broke it for the first time last year and again this year. At this stage, it is showing a nonunion, but I can easily bear weight and there is no pain or swelling. I have no plans to play sports or go running in the future. I was wondering if I can live without getting pinned. As of now, I cannot take leave from work. Also, what will happen if a nonunion is is left untreated?

Answered by Dr. Akshay Kumar Saxena

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Akshay Kumar Saxena is an Orthopedic surgeon, Traumatologist, and Spine Surgeon who examines patients to diagnose bone, joint, ligament, or other musculoskeletal problems, including diseases or injuries and is also trained to treat brain and spine conditions. He completed his MBBS from Hemwati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University in 2005. He studied DNB Orthopedics at the National Board of Examinations in 2010. He provides support and advice to patients receiving long-term care, and he researches defects, diseases, and disorders affecting the musculoskeletal system. He is currently practicing in Uttar Pradesh with 17 years of clinical experience.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have gone through your question, and it seems that your fracture is not healing well. There are a few points which I want you to know:

The first and the fifth metatarsal are actually the weight-bearing bones in the foot. So, proper union of any fracture involving these two bones is important. Jones fracture involves the fifth metatarsal of the foot and that too in an area with a slightly peculiar blood supply. So, if not managed well, can lead to nonunion.

You are very young, and at this stage, it is not advisable to leave any fracture unsupervised in terms of treatment. If your concerned orthopedic doctor is telling to get it pinned or open reduction and internal fixation with a screw, then it makes quite a lot of sense to actually undergo that treatment. I can actually advise you in a better manner if I can see your fresh x-ray and also your clinical picture showing the involved foot.

Also, you have not mentioned the total duration since the second injury, and what form of management is being done right now. If it goes into permanent nonunion, you will keep on having foot problems from time to time in the form of pain, swelling, and difficulty in ambulation.

Medically reviewed by iCliniq medical review team
Published At May 21, 2015
Reviewed At February 2, 2024

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Akshay Kumar Saxena is an Orthopedic surgeon, Traumatologist, and Spine Surgeon who examines patients to diagnose bone, joint, ligament, or other musculoskeletal problems, including diseases or injuries and is also trained to treat brain and spine conditions. He completed his MBBS from Hemwati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University in 2005. He studied DNB Orthopedics at the National Board of Examinations in 2010. He provides support and advice to patients receiving long-term care, and he researches defects, diseases, and disorders affecting the musculoskeletal system. He is currently practicing in Uttar Pradesh with 17 years of clinical experience.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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Prep / Recovery Guide

Jones Fracture Prep and Recovery Guide

How it works

A Jones fracture is a specific type of foot fracture that requires careful management. Understanding its nature and potential complications is key to proper healing.

1

Fracture
Basics

2

Healing
Challenges

3

Understanding
Nonunion

4

Treatment
Options

5

Untreated
Risks

6

Seek
Advice

This information is based on general medical guidance. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice; consult a qualified clinician.

Always consult a doctor before taking medication; self-medication carries serious health risks. Take exact prescribed doses, and never start, change, or stop treatment without medical supervision.

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Akshay Kumar Saxena is an Orthopedic surgeon, Traumatologist, and Spine Surgeon who examines patients to diagnose bone, joint, ligament, or other musculoskeletal problems, including diseases or injuries and is also trained to treat brain and spine conditions. He completed his MBBS from Hemwati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University in 2005. He studied DNB Orthopedics at the National Board of Examinations in 2010. He provides support and advice to patients receiving long-term care, and he researches defects, diseases, and disorders affecting the musculoskeletal system. He is currently practicing in Uttar Pradesh with 17 years of clinical experience.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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