76ers announce Ben Simmons had 'successful' Jones fracture surgery
There were two words the Philadelphia 76ers didn't want to hear when it came to Ben Simmons' broken foot: "Jones fracture." It's the same injury that robbed Kevin Durant of one of his prime seasons, and it's the same injury that turned Brook Lopez from one of the game's best traditional centers into an afterthought in Brooklyn.
So what exactly is a Jones fracture? Generally, it's a break in the fifth metatarsal in the foot. But what makes such a break a Jones fracture specifically is the placement of the fracture within that bone. A Jones fracture occurs in the long midsection of the bone and extends to the proximal end of the metatarsal and causes significant pain and swelling. The fracture is typically categorized in one of three "zones" on the proximal end; Zones I and II are associated with relatively successful healing, while a Zone III fracture is more concerning.
(Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports)
Of course, there's a reason we're telling you all of this. On Tuesday, the 76ers officially announced what many suspected: Simmons' injury is in fact a Jones fracture.
Via NBA.com:
The Philadelphia 76ers announced today that forward Ben Simmons underwent successful surgery to repair an acute Jones fracture of the fifth metatarsal of his right foot. Simmons suffered the injury when he rolled his ankle after landing on the foot of another player during a 76ers team scrimmage on September 30, 2016. [...]
"Our sports performance and medical staff was debriefed by Dr. O'Malley following the procedure, and we were encouraged by the positive feedback," Martin said. "Moving forward, a comprehensive return to court program will be implemented for Ben, and we will closely monitor his progress throughout the rehabilitation process."
Additional information regarding Simmons’ recovery and return to play timetable will be provided as available and when appropriate.
"He's a young guy. He's got to make sure he's patient and not get frustrated with the process because obviously I know I would want to get on the floor. But he has a long career in front of him and he just has to be patient, let the foot heal and when he gets back on the floor then he'll show why he's the No. 1 pick."
