[Symptomatic treatment of non-displaced avulsion and Jones fractures of the fifth metatarsal: a prospective study].

The objective was to compare the results of a conservative treatment of non-displaced Jones fractures and of avulsion fractures of the fifth metatarsal. In 2004/2005 29 fractures of the fifth metatarsal were distinguished into avulsion fractures (n = 21) and Jones fractures (n =8). Six patients with avulsion fractures were lost. We proposed the same treatment for the two groups: Elastic banding, pain killers, crutches if needed and thromboembolic prophylaxis with low molecular heparin. After twelve weeks none of the patients complained about pain. Radiographic consolidation of the fracture was noticed after 7.3 weeks for the Jone's fractures and after 7.1 weeks for the avulsion fractures. We propose symptomatic treatment for the non-displaced avulsion and Jones fractures.