Jones fracture of the fifth metatarsal: Is operative intervention justified?  A systematic review of the literature and meta-analysis of results.BACKGROUND
 This study assesses the outcomes of surgical vs. conservative management in the treatment of the Jones fracture.


 A systematic review using four databases from their inception until September 2014 was undertaken.  Six studies were found evaluating operative therapy compared to conservative treatment.


 Six relevant studies were included, with a total of 237 patients.  Of these, 51% were treated non-operatively, and 49% had surgical intervention.  Those in the non-operative group were found to have a significantly higher odds ratio (OR) of fracture non-union (OR 5.74, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.65-12.40, P<0.001).  Of the trials with time to union as an outcome measure, 3 of 4 trials found favourable results in the operative cohort.


 CONCLUSIONS
 Surgical intervention is recommended for patients presenting with a Jones fracture as it is found to result in a lesser non-union rate and an improved time to union.
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