So which type of fracture did they say it was? I missed it if it was said. Was it Jones because those are normally 10-12 weeks, right?
Yes, it's a Jones-type fracture, at the proximal base of the fifth metatarsal. There's a good bit of difference in healing time associated with the exact location of the fracture and the approximation of the bone sections. If the positioning is excellent, and a non-weightbearing status can be maintained for 4 weeks, then healing can occur without surgery. However, the blood supply can be compromised in some of these cases, and healing can be delayed or incomplete; also, premature weight bearing can disrupt healing or cause a non-union. Therefore, surgery with fixation (usually a single screw) is used to assure optimal outcomes, likely as good as any typical fracture: 6-8 weeks. He'll be doing progressive rehab after 4 weeks, and this will get more aggressive as the x-rays allow. That foot and leg will likely not be in playing shape until the 8 week mark.
Just for good measure and best possible outcome, Dez received a stem cell infusion at the fracture site; can't hurt anything, and it may speed the healing process a bit. It's typically used on delayed union fractures with poor approximation or other underlying complications, but Dez is coming along nicely.
Again, Dez has a long and valuable future --
if this is managed properly. Don't expect him back until his foot is solid and his surgeon gives full release
