Ben Simmons’ Injury Update: Jones Fracture, Not Dancer’s Fracture, Successful Operation
By Bret Stuter
Jones Fracture
In media, a Jones Fracture has become the consensus of many medical experts – but it has been speculation. Jones fractures typically occur with a hyperextension of the ankle joint, combined with a significant force. Unfortunately, we only discovered there WAS significant force, as Simmons’ landed on a teammates foot.
The Sixers just announced that Ben Simmons underwent successful surgery today to repair an acute Jones fracture in his right foot
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) October 4, 2016
The Jones fracture occurs farther down the base of the 5th metatarsal and happens after repetitive stress to this area of the bone. This type of fracture is in a blood poor zone, and is typically require a screw to ensure alignment and promote healing.
The Jones fracture has some frequency of requiring repeated treatment. As many as 20% of the initial attempts to heal fail, forcing the patient to undergo subsequent strategy. However, that rate can be lowered with electromagnetic stimulus to the fracture site.
Ultimately, the surgery requires from 8-12 weeks to heal. If relapse, a physician can detect that at approximately week 6. If the fracture requires a second surgery, expect an additional 12 weeks to ensure complete recovery.