Which fracture is a transverse fracture of the diaphyseal region at the base of the fifth metatarsal?

Which fracture is a transverse fracture of the diaphyseal region at the base of the fifth metatarsal?

• A. March
• B. Jones
• C. Lisfranc
• D. Tillaux

Answer: (B)

This fracture pattern is a Jones fracture. It’s a transverse break through the proximal diaphysis of the fifth metatarsal, right at the metaphyseal‑diaphyseal junction about 1.5 cm from the base. That specific location distinguishes it from other fifth metatarsal injuries and is what makes it classically a Jones fracture. Why this spot matters: the blood supply in this watershed zone is relatively limited, so fractures here have a higher risk of delayed healing or nonunion, especially in athletes. Management often depends on displacement and activity level: non-displaced fractures may be treated with immobilization, while displaced or high‑risk cases (like athletes) might require surgical fixation. For contrast, a March fracture is a stress fracture of the second metatarsal shaft, a Lisfranc injury involves instability at the midfoot joints, and a Tillaux fracture is a distal tibial physeal injury in adolescents. The described pattern specifically points to a Jones fracture.

This fracture pattern is a Jones fracture. It’s a transverse break through the proximal diaphysis of the fifth metatarsal, right at the metaphyseal‑diaphyseal junction about 1.5 cm from the base. That specific location distinguishes it from other fifth metatarsal injuries and is what makes it classically a Jones fracture.

Why this spot matters: the blood supply in this watershed zone is relatively limited, so fractures here have a higher risk of delayed healing or nonunion, especially in athletes. Management often depends on displacement and activity level: non-displaced fractures may be treated with immobilization, while displaced or high‑risk cases (like athletes) might require surgical fixation.

For contrast, a March fracture is a stress fracture of the second metatarsal shaft, a Lisfranc injury involves instability at the midfoot joints, and a Tillaux fracture is a distal tibial physeal injury in adolescents. The described pattern specifically points to a Jones fracture.