Fractured 5th metatarsal recovery time??

[paulreeve2]

Hi Janet,
I had xrays at week's 8, 12 and 16. At week 8 I was told there was no indication of healing on the xray, but I was further on in healing than the xray shown since I was walking on it. I was told it was normal to be ahead of the xray.
At week 12 I was told the union was not complete.
At week 16 I was discharged after final xray. I had started running 2 weeks prior and was up to 2 miles.
I completed Tough Mudder 3 weeks after with no problems.
It took another 2 month's to gain confidence in the foot so I could apply full impact.
Mine was a spiral fracture of neck 5th metatarsal with approx 4mm displacement. I get the impression that recovery at 8 week's was to be assessed and if there was no improvement then surgery would've been an option.
I googled a lot during recovery and learned a few things/opinions.
Metatarsals can take longer to heal due to limited blood flow in the area.
A 'Jones' fracture almost always requires a simple surgery (screwed back together) but can be walked on in 6 weeks after surgery.
Mobility of the area of a broken bone 'can' speed up healing instead of purely rest alone. I guess this is a risk and depends on the individual and type of fracture.
I'm no doctor, but google taught me there were stages of fracture repair. If I remember correctly, first it will clot. It is important not to disturb the clot as you will have to wait for the clot to form again (first week or so).
It will then form a callous (2 to 6 weeks maybe). Over time the callous will calsify (4 to 16 weeks maybe), forming bone to bridge the gap. Over the next 6 month's or so the bone will go through the reshaping process to get the bone close to its original shape. Also bone density will increase.

Moving the broken area after the callous has formed stimulates new bone formation.

Good luck with the rehabilitation.
Paul

[Madison]

Hi Paul
thank you so much for replying. I have read a lot of the reviews too from other people and every situation seems to be different. So it's 8 weeks for me now and I am walking on it around house, it did swell up a bit with being on it more over Christmas. Does not hurt at all to walk on it. Have you ever had an X-ray that showed it was fully healed. Mine is just below a Jones fracture. Surgery has not been suggested. I was wondering about mobility speeding up blood supply to the area. Some people have even used a stationary bike I noticed. That's interesting you saying the healing was ahead of xray. Do you think there is a difference between a radiologist reading the X-ray and the ortho surgeon?

really appreciate your comments. I am just so frustrated not being able to drive and we live in the country so it's hard.

Janet