There
are five major bones with previous blood supply. Fractures in these bones can
interrupt this peculiar blood supply, causing a threat of death of the bone and
nonunion of the fracture. Fractures in these areas usually occur as a result of
trauma or stress related injuries.
These
areas are the proximal humerus, scaphoid, proximal femur, talus, and fifth
metatarsal. Interruption of the blood supply causes death of the bone and
nonunion.
There are three types of fractures at the fifth
metatarsal; avulsion fracture, Jones fracture, and mid-shaft fractures. The
avulsion and mid-shaft fractures have good healing due to a sufficient blood
supply. The Jones fracture compromises the blood supply which leads to nonunion
of the fracture. Treatment can be achieved by non-weight bearing immobilization
or may require intramedullary screw fixation in athletes and active
individuals.
