The Jones Fracture

  Staff        December 13, 2013

The Jone fracture is named after a British orthopedic surgeon who had the fracture. Not surprisingly his name was Dr Bobert Jones! A Jones fracture is a fracture that occurs at the diaphysis of the fifth metatarsal of the foot, about half way down the outside of the foot. This type of fracture is characterized by pain and swelling over the area and can often be misdiagnosed as just a sprain and several different x-ray views may be needed to actually see the fracture. Treatment will depend on how much displacement there is. If the fracture is not displaced, then a cast is all that is usually needed. If the fracture is displaced, then a surgical pin or screw is usually needed.

What Use is Jacks Test?

  Staff        December 6, 2013

Jacks test is a test that clinicians often use to check the integrity of the arch of the foot and its associated windlass mechanism. To do the test, you need to get the person standing and then grab the big toe and lift it up. As this happen the arch of the foot should come up naturally. This is how the arch of the foot supports itself during gait. The purpose of Jacks test is to make sure that this process is working properly. It is assumed that the big toe should be easy to lift up, as this means that the arch can establish itself easier and the heel can come off the ground much easier.