Background: Jones fractures, one of the most common foot fractures, involve the proximal fifth metatarsal base. The treatment of Jones fractures encompasses a wide range of methods.
The aim of the work: The purpose of this research was to evaluate the efficacy of intramedullary screw fixation versus tension band method for the surgical treatment of Jones fractures.
Patients and Methods: This prospective interventional study was conducted on 20 patients with acute Jones fractures. Patients were randomly divided into 10 managed by intramedullary screw fixation and 10 managed by tension band technique. Patients were operated on the 2nd and 3rd day of trauma with equal distribution in both groups. After surgery, patients were immobilized in a below-knee cast for 2 weeks and serial radiographs were done during regular follow-up visits until the time of complete radiological union was detected. During regular follow-up visits, patients were assessed with the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score at each visit. Post-operative complications such as infection, delayed union, non-union, and re-fracture were checked and recorded.
Results: Both techniques had no effect on gait and pain with movement was only present in one case with intramedullary screw and two cases with tension band. Regarding complications, only one patient in each group had delayed union and one patient complained of infection.
Conclusion: Surgical management of acute Jones fractures either by intramedullary screw nail fixation or tension band wiring technique showed good results in healing with minimal postoperative complications.