Outcome of Early Weight Bearing Cast for the Treatment of Jones Fracture

Abstract

Objective: To determine the radiological and functional outcome of acute Jones fracture treated conservatively in early weight bearing cast. Study Design and Setting: This study was conducted in Orthopaedic Division Lady Reading Hospital Peshawar. The duration of study extended from 25th August 2018 to 13th November 2022. Methodology: All patients of both gender and age 18 years and above with isolated Jones fracture fulfilling the inclusion criteria were treated in below knee early weight bearing cast. Radiological union was assessed by noting callus and obliteration of fracture line. The functional outcome was determined using American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Score(AOFAS) after cast removal. Results: This study included a total of 319 patients of Jones fractures who were treated in early weight bearing cast, the mean age was 34.41±4.29 years. Female patients were 245(76.80%) while male were 74(23.19%). Right foot was involved in 211(66.14%) patients and left in 108(33.85%). The average union time was 6.2±1.2 weeks. Majority(99.0%,n=316) of our patients achieved union. Non union was reported in only 3(0.94%) patients. Excellent functional outcome was documented in our patients as indicated by mean AOFAS score 99.1±1.1. Comparison of AOFAS score for gender, side and type of fracture did not reveal any significant difference.(p>0.05) Conclusion: Early weight bearing cast is an effective modality of conservatively treating acute Jones fractures as shown by higher union rate and excellent functional outcome in majority of our patients