Treatment of Zone II and III Fifth Metatarsal Fractures Using a Novel Fixation Technique

CATEGORY: Sports; Lesser Toes INTRODUCTION/PURPOSE: Zone II and III 5th metatarsal fractures are common injuries which can be addressed surgically with percutaneous fixation following anatomic reduction. Limited vascular supply and the specific anatomy of the 5th metatarsal causes concern for non-union of these fractures. This study evaluated a novel screw designed to optimize 5th metatarsal fixation. The titanium alloy headless screw (Jones Union System, Extremity Medical, Parsippany, NJ) provides compression across the fracture site using variable angle pitch and is designed to minimize the occurrence of painful hardware. In addition, we use an intramedullary reamer to create local autologous bone grafting in conjunction with an osteoplasty of the cuboid to obtain ideal positioning. This study represents the first to evaluate clinical outcomes following fixation with this system. METHODS: Patients treated for a 5th metatarsal fracture between 2018 and 2019 by two surgeons fellowship-trained in foot and ankle orthopedics were identified. Operative notes were reviewed to ensure that patients were treated with the headless compression screw. 21 patients (22 fractures) were identified. Postoperative x-rays were reviewed to evaluate osseous bridging and time to union was determined. Retrospective chart review was performed to determine time to return to sport. Postoperative complications, including non-unions, need for revision, and need for hardware removal, were also evaluated. RESULTS: Of the 22 total fractures, 16 were Zone II fractures and 6 were Zone III fractures. Average time to clinical follow-up was 13.60 months (range, 3.91-25.07). Average age at time of surgery was 28.82 years (range, 16 to 66). 16 males and 5 females were represented with average BMI of 27.41 kg/m2. Average time to union was 6.78 weeks (range, 5.13-12.12), and average time to return to sport was 11.38 weeks (range, 5.87-15.12). No patients experienced a non-union or painful hardware, and no other postoperative complications were observed. CONCLUSION: Fixation of Jones fractures using the Jones Union System produced excellent postoperative outcomes. This system, designed to address the challenges of 5th metatarsal anatomy, demonstrated effectiveness with expeditious times to union and return to sport. Union rates were high, and our cohort did not experience any postoperative complications. Although follow-up in some cases is short, no patient has experienced painful hardware. Our results suggest that this system is an effective approach for fixation of Zone II and III 5th metatarsal fractures.