Jones fractures in elite athletes-2025 International Foot and Ankle Sports Consensus and systematic review.
Julia M Balboni, Scott D Semelsberger, Vanessa J Boggiano et al.
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In 30 seconds
This Level V study combined a modified Delphi consensus process with a systematic review to inform management of Jones fractures in elite athletes. The review included 27 studies and 1056 patients. Most stress-aetiology fractures were treated with open reduction and internal fixation; mean return to sport was 13.3 ± 4.5 weeks, with an 8.4% complication rate. Treatment failure was highest for stress fractures managed nonoperatively (8.2%). For traumatic fractures, all patients returned to sport, averaging 11.6 ± 2.2 weeks, although failure was highest with conservative treatment (16.1%).
Key findings
- Among stress-aetiology fractures, 86.4% were treated with open reduction and internal fixation; mean return to sport was 13.3 ± 4.5 weeks and complications occurred in 8.4%.
- Treatment failure was highest for stress fractures treated nonoperatively (8.2%).
- For traumatic fractures, all patients returned to sport at an average of 11.6 ± 2.2 weeks, regardless of treatment; failure was highest with conservative care (16.1%).
- Of 37 consensus statements, 15 achieved unanimous agreement, 21 strong agreement, and one consensus.
Why it matters
The review highlights that fracture aetiology is relevant when considering treatment outcomes in elite athletes: nonoperative management had the highest reported failure for both stress and traumatic fractures, while return-to-sport times differed by aetiology. The consensus statements also provide expert guidance on imaging and selected surgical techniques, although the underlying evidence is Level V.
What to keep in mind
The evidence is Level V and derives from a systematic review of 27 studies; the abstract does not report comparative effect estimates or study-level quality.