Rehabilitation of a Jones Fracture in a Young Male Following Prolonged Immobilization After Conservative Treatment: A Case Report
Document Type
Poster
Start Date
28-4-2026 12:00 PM
End Date
28-4-2026 2:00 PM
Description
Introduction: A Jones fracture occurs at the metaphyseal-diaphyseal junction of the 5th metatarsal and is common among male athletes. Limited vascular supply can delay healing. Conservative management of this injury requires a period of immobilization and restricted weight bearing which can result in decreased ankle range of motion, muscular atrophy, and strength deficits.
Purpose: To describe the rehabilitation and functional outcomes of a 14-year-old male after prolonged immobilization for conservative management of a Jones fracture.
Methods: Patient is a 14-year-old male who sustained a Jones fracture during football practice. He was initially placed in a controlled ankle motion boot weight bearing as tolerated. Follow up imaging showed fracture enhancement, and he was transitioned to non-weight bearing immobilization. He presented to physical therapy 9 weeks post injury with 0° ankle dorsiflexion AROM, decreased strength, and significant left gastrocnemius/soleus atrophy. The patient completed 8 weeks of physical therapy focusing on lower extremity strengthening, gait training, balance, joint mobilizations, neuromuscular reeducation, and progressive plyometric and sport specific training.
Results: At discharge he demonstrated 5/5 lower extremity strength, 10° of left ankle dorsiflexion AROM, normalized pain free gait, and >95% limb symmetry on hop testing. FOTO scores increase from 43 to 86/100 demonstrating functional improvement. The patient returned to sport specific training without and was referred to the school’s ATC program following discharge.
Discussion: Progressive impairment specific rehabilitation can restore function and assist in return to sport following prolonged immobilization after a Jones fracture.
Recommended Citation
James, Hannah, "Rehabilitation of a Jones Fracture in a Young Male Following Prolonged Immobilization After Conservative Treatment: A Case Report" (2026). School of Allied Health Professions Research Day. 23.
https://digitalscholar.lsuhsc.edu/ahrd/2026/posters/23
Rehabilitation of a Jones Fracture in a Young Male Following Prolonged Immobilization After Conservative Treatment: A Case Report
Introduction: A Jones fracture occurs at the metaphyseal-diaphyseal junction of the 5th metatarsal and is common among male athletes. Limited vascular supply can delay healing. Conservative management of this injury requires a period of immobilization and restricted weight bearing which can result in decreased ankle range of motion, muscular atrophy, and strength deficits.
Purpose: To describe the rehabilitation and functional outcomes of a 14-year-old male after prolonged immobilization for conservative management of a Jones fracture.
Methods: Patient is a 14-year-old male who sustained a Jones fracture during football practice. He was initially placed in a controlled ankle motion boot weight bearing as tolerated. Follow up imaging showed fracture enhancement, and he was transitioned to non-weight bearing immobilization. He presented to physical therapy 9 weeks post injury with 0° ankle dorsiflexion AROM, decreased strength, and significant left gastrocnemius/soleus atrophy. The patient completed 8 weeks of physical therapy focusing on lower extremity strengthening, gait training, balance, joint mobilizations, neuromuscular reeducation, and progressive plyometric and sport specific training.
Results: At discharge he demonstrated 5/5 lower extremity strength, 10° of left ankle dorsiflexion AROM, normalized pain free gait, and >95% limb symmetry on hop testing. FOTO scores increase from 43 to 86/100 demonstrating functional improvement. The patient returned to sport specific training without and was referred to the school’s ATC program following discharge.
Discussion: Progressive impairment specific rehabilitation can restore function and assist in return to sport following prolonged immobilization after a Jones fracture.