Variable Angle Locking Compression Plate as Alternative Fixation for Jones Fractures:

Abstract

Introduction. Jones fractures pose many challenges for the treatingsurgeon and can cause significant disability for some patients. Theaim of this study was to review the results of using a variable anglelocking compression plate as an alternative fixation method in thetreatment of Jones fractures.Methods.xA retrospective chart review was conducted of patientswho had undergone fixation of Jones fracture with a variable anglelocking compression plate from September 2012 through February2016. Radiographs of the preoperative and six-week postoperativeand postoperative follow-up outcomes, including complication andhardware removal, were collected.Results. Twenty-three cases met the inclusion/exclusion criteria.The overall bony union rate was 96% at six-week postoperative and100% at 20-week postoperative. Mean age was 30 ± 16 years, andmean BMI was 30.7 ± 5.2 kg/m2. Three patients (13%) had plateremoval: two (9%) were due to irritation caused by shoe wearing andone patient (4%) had a skin infection (cellulitis) which was treatedwith intravenous antibiotics. One patient (4%) had developed deepvein thrombosis (DVT) that was resolved with anticoagulant withoutimplant removal. No fixation loss and no associated complicationsdeveloped from implant removal.Conclusions. Based on our limited experience, this study providedevidence that the variable angle locking compression plate may be analternative form of fixation for Jones fractures with a low complicationrate. This procedure seemed to provide a safe, reliable methodthat can achieve an anatomic reduction, stable fixation, rapid healing,and good results in the treatment of Jones fractures.Kans J Med 2019;12(2):28-32.