The association of metatarsus adductus to the proximal fifth metatarsal Jones fracture

Abstract

This retrospective study aimed to determine if a transverse plane forefoot relationship exists in patients with Jones fractures. Anteroposterior radiographs of 30 acute Jones fractures were compared with radiographs of 30 asymptomatic control subjects. Radiographic metatarsus adductus angle measurements were analyzed with a digital software program. The reliability of the measurements was evaluated with an intra-rater study. An independent t test was used to compare the metatarsus adductus angle between the Jones fracture group and the control group. Radiographic analysis revealed the mean metatarsus adductus angle for the Jones fracture group to be 20.22° (± 6.79°) compared with a mean of 14.27° (± 4.60°) for the control group. This difference between the groups was found to be statistically significant (p < .005). The intraclass reliability coefficient (ICC = 0.9396) confirmed there was no bias in the radiographic measurements. The metatarsus adductus angle in this group of patients with Jones fractures was increased compared with the nonpathologic control group. The Jones fracture mechanism of injury and resultant lateral column overload may be intensified with an increased metatarsus adductus. This relationship should be considered a risk factor for Jones fractures and taken into consideration with respect to bone healing, treatment, and prevention.