Fractures of the foot and ankle range from stress fractures caught early to complex injuries requiring surgical stabilization. Dr. Hanson offers the full spectrum of fracture care, including minimally invasive percutaneous fixation techniques that reduce soft tissue disruption and accelerate recovery.
The foot and ankle contain 28 bones, and fractures can occur in any of them as a result of acute trauma, repetitive stress, or underlying bone health concerns. The nature of the fracture, which bone is involved, and the patient's activity level all influence the best course of treatment.
Common fractures Dr. Hanson treats include ankle fractures (bimalleolar, trimalleolar), Jones fractures of the fifth metatarsal, calcaneus (heel bone) fractures, Lisfranc injuries, and metatarsal stress fractures. Each requires careful evaluation and a treatment plan tailored to the specific injury pattern.
Jones fractures occur at the base of the fifth metatarsal in a zone with limited blood supply, which makes them prone to delayed healing and re-fracture if not treated appropriately. They are particularly common in active patients and athletes.
For active patients, surgical fixation with an intramedullary screw is often the preferred approach, allowing earlier return to activity and reducing the risk of non-union. Dr. Hanson has specific expertise in Jones fracture management and has co-invented a surgical bone plate designed for plantar foot stabilization.
Not all fractures at the base of the fifth metatarsal are the same. True Jones fractures behave differently from more common avulsion fractures at the same location, and treatment decisions depend on the precise fracture location and pattern.
Dr. Hanson uses minimally invasive percutaneous techniques whenever the fracture pattern allows. Smaller incisions mean less disruption to soft tissue, lower risk of wound complications, and often a faster path to rehabilitation.
Dr. Hanson co-invented a plantar bone fusion plate and a differential compression bone screw, both of which are designed to improve fixation mechanics in the foot. This kind of implant-level thinking reflects his approach to fracture care: choosing not just the right technique but the right hardware for each patient's specific anatomy and bone quality.
Dr. Hanson will take time to understand your specific situation, review any prior imaging or records, and give you an honest assessment of all your options including non-surgical approaches.