Avulsion fracture of the 5th metatarsal styloid

Last revised by Henry Knipe on 20 Dec 2023

Avulsion fractures of the 5th metatarsal styloid, also known as a pseudo-Jones fracture or a dancer fracture, are one of the more common foot avulsion injuries and account for over 90% of fractures of the base of the 5th metatarsal.

Despite what should be a simple entity, controversy exists, as well as confusion in the literature, with the term Jones fracture sometimes liberally (and incorrectly) applied to this fracture ref. It is also relatively common among tennis players, accounting for it sometimes being referred to as a "tennis fracture" ref.

Traditionally this avulsion fracture has been ascribed to the insertion of peroneus brevis and is caused by forcible inversion of the foot in plantar flexion, as may occur while stepping on a curb or climbing steps. It is for this reason that the 5th metatarsal base must be included in the lateral ankle projection of an ankle series, especially when performed for an inversion injury.

Some authors believe that it is due to the lateral cord of the plantar aponeurosis which also inserts at the base, rather than the peroneus brevis tendon 2.

Small fracture usually of the tuberosity of the proximal 5th metatarsal, oriented mostly transversely (cf. apophysis which parallels the shaft) ref. It usually does not reach the tarsometatarsal (metatarsocuboid) joint, but occasionally does ref. In some instances, the fracture may be occult.

In general, these fractures can be treated conservatively, and heal well 2. Functional weight-bearing such as Robert Jones bandage or elastic bandaging and stiff-soled shoes has better outcomes than non-weight-bearing in a short leg cast 5

For large or very displaced fragments with intra-articular extension then operative fixation may be indicated.

A number of fractures occur at the base of the 5th metatarsal (see fractures of the proximal fifth metatarsal) as well as entities that mimic fractures:

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