The basic classification is:
- proximal fractures
- shaft fractures
- head/neck fractures
Fractures of the proximal metatarsal are often referred to as "Jones fractures". There is some controversy as to the best sub-classification of this zone. There is definitely a region just distal to the tuberosity in which fractures are more likely to go on to non-union, probably as a result of the stress riser effect and possibly the vascular watershed. Some authors classify all fractures proximal to this zone together. Others separate a group in which the fracture line is at the level of the 4th-5th intermetatarsal joint, calling these "true Jones fractures".
The Hyperbook currently uses the following classification:
- tuberosity fractures
- metaphyseal/diaphyseal junction fractures, including both "true Jones" and stress fractures
- distal fractures