When it comes to screw fixation for a Jones fracture in the foot, how much does the hardware itself affect the outcome? For instance, I've heard the size and type of screw used can make a difference. Is this true?

A recent study showed that different types of screws didn't lead to different outcomes when tested on cadavers. The screw used is really up to the surgeon. Other researchers have echoed this and added that bigger screws should be given to patients with larger body mass.

More important than screw type is how long patients wait to return to full activity after surgery. When patients go back to their activities before the foot has healed completely, they are more likely to have another fracture. For this reason, patients--especially athletes--should not go back to high-impact activities until X-rays show that the bones have really healed together. This is true even if symptoms have already gone away.