A projected first-round pick in the June NBA draft, Duke freshman- Dariq Whitehead will undergo a second surgery on his foot. He is expected to fully recover by the start of the NBA’s regular season.
The Duke star forward underwent surgery for a fracture of his right fifth metatarsal in August 2022. However due to improper healing he will need to undergo a second procedure to properly repair the injury.
Fifth metatarsal fractures are common foot foot injuries. Two types of fractures often occur in the fifth metatarsal. An avulsion fracture is when a small piece of bone is pulled off the main bones by a tendon or ligament. The second type is a Jones fracture; the fracture occurs in an area that has an adequate blood supply. Jones fractures are caused by overuse, repetitive stress or trauma and they are more difficult to treat. Other types of fractures can occur in the fifth metatarsal include midshaft fractures, which usually result from trauma or twisting, and fractures of the metatarsal head and neck.
Signs of fifth metatarsal fracture include pain, swelling and tenderness on the outside of the foot, difficulty walking and bruising. Treatment for fifth metatarsal fracture includes RICE therapy.
Rest: Stay off the injured foot
Ice: Apply an ice pack to the injured area.
Compression: An elastic wrap should be used to control swelling.
Elevation: The foot should be raised slightly above the level of your heart to reduce swelling
Immobilization in a boot or cast with or without the use of a bone stimulator will be used as well. In the case of an active patient who has a Jones fracture or a displaced fracture, surgery will likely be recommended to help the fracture to adequately heal.
