The Weil osteotomy in metatarsalgia

AIM: The purpose of the prospective study is to evaluate the results of Weil osteotomy in painful overloaded central forefoot with dislocation of the MTP joint. METHOD: 19 left and 16 right feet underwent the Weil osteotomy. In 10 patients the procedure was performed on both feet. In 15 cases only one metatarsal was corrected (the 2 (nd) in 12 and the 3 (rd) in 3 cases), in 17 cases both the 2 (nd) and the 3 (rd) metatarsals and in 4 cases also with the 4 (th) one together. The simultaneous correction of hallux valgus was performed in 19 forefeet. The mean follow-up was 31 months (range, 19 to 41 months). RESULTS: All patients were satisfied with the result of the operation. The results were excellent in 29 cases (83 %) and good in 6 cases (17 %). The plantar callus disappeared in 27 feet (77 %) and decreased in 8 feet (23 %). In one patient the new callus formed under the head of the neighbouring metatarsal bone. The sufficient MTP joint reduction was found in 31 cases (89 %). CONCLUSION: It is possible with the Weil osteotomy to correct the metatarsal length accurately according to the preoperative planning. This results in the prevention of new callus formation under the neighbouring metatarsal head. Stable internal fixation allows the early mobilisation of the MTP joint.     

Weil osteotomy: Assessment of medium term results and predictive factors in recurrent metatarsalgia

Background

The angle of the Weil osteotomy is usually referenced relative to the floor irrespective of the plantar angulation of the metatarsal. This study aims to analyse the long term results following the Weil osteotomy and identify the cause of poor outcome.

Methods

This study presents a retrospective review of 61 patients (86 feet), with mean follow-up of 31 months. Each patient underwent clinical, pedobarographic and radiological examination. The radiographs obtained included ‘Metatarsal Skyline Views’ (MSV), to assess the plantar declination of the metatarsal heads following the osteotomy. The functional scoring was performed using AOFAS and Foot Function Index.

Results

Fifty-five patients (80 feet) showed good to excellent results clinically. Six patients had persistent metatarsalgia. All these 6 patients had callosities beneath metatarsal heads. Pedobarography showed peak pressures in the same distribution as callosities and the MSV showed increased plantar declination of the metatarsal heads. This correlation was found to be significant (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

The Weil osteotomy is a safe and effective treatment for metatarsalgia. An MSV radiograph is helpful to identify the plantar prominence of metatarsal which can be associated with poor clinical outcomes.     

第1跖趾关节融合结合外侧足趾旋转Weil截骨治疗重度跖内收型拇外翻

目的：探讨第1跖趾关节融合结合外侧足趾旋转Weil截骨治疗重度跖内收型拇外翻临床疗效。方法：回顾性分析自2017年3月至2021年8月接受第1跖趾关节融合结合旋转Weil截骨治疗的重度跖内收型拇外翻患者37例（69足）,男8例（11足）,女29例（58足）;年龄67～83(70.03±2.87)岁;左侧3例,右侧2例,双侧32例。分别于术前、术后6周及末次随访时,采用疼痛视觉模拟评分（visual analogue scale,VAS）进行疼痛缓解程度评价。术前及末次随访时采用美国骨科足踝外科学会（American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Surgery,AOFAS）前足评分对患足功能进行评价。并测量手术前及末次随访时拇外翻角（hallux valgus angle,HVA）,第1、2跖间角（intermetatarsal angle,IMA）的变化情况。结果：37例（69足）患者获得随访,时间12～48 (22.8±0.6)个月。术后7～10(8.00±1.21)周第1跖趾关节处达到骨愈合,无延迟愈合及不愈合发生。术前HVA (44.30±2.84)°与...     

Shortening Proximal Chevron Metatarsal Osteotomy for Patients With a Hallux Valgus Deformity With Advanced Arthritis

To correct hallux valgus deformities in patients with advanced arthritis of the first metatarsophalangeal joint, we designed a new reverse chevron-type shortening osteotomy technique that could be used to correct valgus deformities at the proximal metatarsal level, as well as shorten and lower the metatarsal, in a 1-time procedure. Sixteen feet in 16 patients with a minimum of 18 months follow-up who underwent a shortening proximal chevron metatarsal osteotomy for a hallux valgus deformity with advanced arthritic change between January 2014 and March 2016 were reviewed in this study. Double chevron osteotomies with 20° of plantar-ward obliquity at the proximal metatarsal level were made at 5-mm intervals for simultaneous valgus correction and metatarsal shortening. An additional Weil osteotomy of the second metatarsal was performed in all feet. Patients’ mean age was 57.88 ± 6.55 years. The deformity was satisfactorily corrected by the operation. The first metatarsal was shortened by approximately 8.75 mm, and the relative length of the second metatarsal did not differ significantly postoperatively (p?=?.179). The relative second metatarsal height, as seen on forefoot axial radiographs, was maintained constantly, with no significant difference (p?=?.215). No painful plantar callosity or transfer metatarsalgia under the second metatarsal head was observed postoperatively. A shortening proximal chevron metatarsal osteotomy for hallux valgus deformities with advanced arthritic change showed a good result with respect to deformity correction and pain relief. Appropriate lowering and an additional Weil osteotomy effectively prevented postoperative pain and painful callosity under the second metatarsal head.     

Modifications of the Weil osteotomy have no effect on plantar pressure

Previous studies have shown that increasing angulation of the Weil osteotomy produces greater plantar translation of the metatarsal head. Modifications have been proposed to reduce plantar translation. However, there is no evidence that the increased plantar translation with a Weil osteotomy is clinically significant or that these modifications are required. Ten lower extremities consisting of five matched pairs were used to evaluate whether different configurations of the Weil osteotomy altered plantar pressure in a dynamic cadaver model. For each pair, an oblique Weil osteotomy with a 5-mm shift was done on one side and a standard (parallel) Weil osteotomy with a 5-mm shift was done on the matched foot. A 4-mm slice resection and a metatarsal head resection then were done sequentially. Plantar pressures were measured with cyclic loading to 700 N at a frequency of 1 Hz with an F-scan in-shoe sensor on the intact specimens and after each intervention. Increased plantar translation of the metatarsal head with a more oblique Weil osteotomy did not significantly increase plantar pressure, and the 4-mm slice resection did not significantly unload the metatarsal head. Only complete metatarsal head resection significantly unloaded the metatarsal head.     

Study of straight metatarsal osteotomy for the treatment of plantar callosities

BACKROUND AND AIMS: To evaluate the outcome of transverse distal metatarsal osteotomies for intractable plantar callosity without hammer toe deformity and associated toe corns. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty-five plantar callosities were treated in 19 feet of 13 patients (mean age 48 years, 5 male, 8 female) with transverse distal metatarsal osteotomy. RESULTS: Twenty-four of the osteotomies united primarily, one after revision. After a 7-year follow-up, 23 of the callosities had healed, two of them after an oblique reosteotomy. Eight hammer toe deformities had developed in the involved rays of four feet. Eight plantar callosities had developed outside the operated rays in five feet. Hallux valgus was a frequent finding in both operated and non-operated feet. CONCLUSION: It seems that transverse distal metatarsal osteotomy is an effective treatment of intractable plantar callosities. Harmful hammer toe deformities and transfer lesions below adjacent metatarsal heads tend to develop over time.     

Weil截骨术与Jacopy截骨术治疗应力性跖痛症的临床疗效对比观察

背景：跖痛症是指发生于跖骨头下方的前足疼痛,可由解剖结构异常、病理性或医源性因素诱发。其病变主要是因为前足集中的局部应力负荷反复作用造成。治疗可分为保守治疗与手术治疗,对大部分跖痛症而言,采用保守治疗即可取得较好的疗效,若保守治疗无效,则可采取手术治疗,其目的是恢复前足正常的应力分布。目的：探讨跖骨远端weil截骨术与Jacoby截骨术治疗应力性跖痛症的临床疗效,从而为临床上更加合理有效的治疗跖痛症提供方法和依据。方法：2010年5月至2012年9月,我院收治应力性跖痛症患者65例,其中42例（63足）患者资料完整,得到随访,男8例（13足）,女34例（50足）;年龄39～78岁,平均56-3岁。单侧11例,双侧31例;病变于第2跖骨头下24例,第3跖骨头下ll例,第2、3跖骨头下同时累及7例。合并跖趾关节脱位12例,跽外翻畸形16例,跖间神经瘤5例。所有病例随机分为A、B两组,A组19例（32足）,B组23例（31足）。A组采用跖骨远端Weil截骨术、B组采用Jacoby截骨术治疗,经过平均18个月的随访,对手术前后局部疼痛症状、患者足底应力变化、足部功能改善情况进行比较分析。结果：两种手术前后疼痛缓解均有显著性差异,以Weil截骨组疼痛缓解更明显,但两组间疼痛缓解无明显统计学差异。两组患者手术前后患趾跖骨头下应力峰值明显下降。Weil截骨组,手术前后立位时和足跟抬高时的病变跖骨头下应力分别下降35％和51％;Jacoby截骨组分别下降25％,n45％。根据美国足踝外科协会Maryland跖趾关节百分评分法对两组患者进行评定：优,A组24足（占75％）,B组22足（占71％）;良,A组6足（占18．8％）,B组5足（占16．1％）;可,A组2足（占6．2％）,B组4足（占12．9％）。A组优良率为93．8％,B组为87．1％。结论：对于应力性跖痛症患者,跖骨远端Weil截骨术与Jacoby截骨术治疗均可取得满意确切的效果。但weil截骨术手术操作技巧要求更高,Jacoby截骨术对初学者更易掌握。临床需要根据患者的实际情况及个体需求灵活选择。     

Geometric analysis of the Weil osteotomy

BACKGROUND: The Weil osteotomy has been reported to be a clinically effective treatment of metatarsalgia and intractable plantar keratosis. The plantar inclination of the metatarsal influences the effect of the osteotomy but has never been studied in detail. METHODS: This study examined five fresh or fresh-frozen cadaver specimens. The data obtained from the specimens was used to model the geometry of the Weil osteotomy. The effect of thick saw blades on the Weil osteotomy was determined. RESULTS: The inclination of the second metatarsal averaged 24.6 (range 19 to 31) degrees. The displacement of the capital fragment in the plantar direction was dependent on the angle of the osteotomy and the inclination of the metatarsal. A 5-mm proximal displacement along a 25-degree osteotomy displaced the capital fragment in a plantar direction if the inclination of the metatarsal was 19 degrees and displaced it dorsally if the inclination was 25 degrees or more. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study showed that a thick saw blade could offset a portion of the plantar displacement of the capital segment that can occur with the Weil osteotomy. A 1-mm thick saw blade is recommended for most osteotomies, and a 2-mm thick saw blade is recommended for shortening of more than 5 mm or with plantar inclination of the lesser metatarsal of less than 19 degrees. A thicker saw blade should be considered for the treatment of plantar keratosis.     

The Weil osteotomy of the lesser metatarsals: a clinical and pedobarographic follow-up study

The clinical results with pedobarographic analysis were assessed in 32 patients (59 metatarsals) who underwent a distal metatarsal shortening (Weil) osteotomy for either intractable plantar keratoses or chronically dislocated lesser metatarsal phalangeal joints. All patients had increased pressure under the involved metatarsal heads. Thirty three of the 59 metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joints were chronically dislocated. At an average follow-up of 30 months, patients rated the result as excellent or good for 32 of the 37 feet (86%). The mean preoperative AOFAS score was 59 (maximum 100), which improved to 81 post-operatively. This difference is significant: p = 0.00001 (with t-test). Comparison of the pre and post-operative pedobarographic measurements showed a significant decreased load under the affected metatarsal heads (p = 0.05). A complete disappearance of the callus was noted under 44 operated metatarsals (75%) and partial disappearance under 12 metatarsals (20%). Two symptomatic transfer lesions occurred under an adjacent metatarsal head. Recurrent dislocations occurred in 5 joints (15%). While metatarsophalangeal joint range of motion was significantly diminished, toe strength was maintained. Average metatarsal shortening was 5.9 mm with no nonunions, delayed unions, or malunions. The Weil shortening osteotomy is a simple and reliable procedure which can effectively reduce the load under the lesser metatarsophalangeal joints and is helpful for the reduction of dorsally dislocated MTP joints.     

Anatomic plantar plate repair using the Weil metatarsal osteotomy approach

The purpose of this study was to analyze the early results of a new technique for anatomic plantar plate repair and advancement using a Weil metatarsal osteotomy of the second metatarsal. The authors retrospectively reviewed medical records of 13 consecutive adult patients (15 feet) who underwent this procedure by a single surgeon. The authors recorded visual analog pain scale scores preoperatively and postoperatively and patient-reported clinical outcome measurement surveys during their final follow-up visit. At an average of 22.5 months (range, 13 to 33 months) follow-up, 11 of 13 patients (85%) reported improved function whereas 10 of 13 (77%) were either satisfied or very satisfied with the outcome. Postoperative scores on the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society Lesser Metatarsophalangeal- Interphalangeal Scale averaged 85.7 on a scale of 100 (SD = 13.1, 95% CI = 79.1-91.5). Patients reported an average preoperative visual analog pain scale of 7.3 (SD = 1.6, 95% CI = 6.4-8.1) versus an average of 1.7 (SD = 1.8, 95% CI = 0.7-2.7) postoperatively. This was a significant reduction in pain rating (P < .0001, t = 8.9, df = 27). Complications included painful hardware and metatarsalgia. There were no cases of dehiscence, malunion, nonunion, or recurrent metatarsophalangeal joint subluxation. This unique surgical technique addresses metatarsal overload and the instability of the second metatarsophalangeal joint while allowing for anatomic repair of the plantar plate pathology.     

Influence of the Length Ratio Between Second and Third Metatarsals After Modified Weil Osteotomy on Clinical Outcomes

Metatarsalgia is a frequent foot disorder. The objective was to evaluate whether the length ratio between the second and the third metatarsals after Weil osteotomy influences clinical outcomes. This retrospective study included 37 patients (53 feet). Preoperative planning consisted of keeping the second metatarsal greater than or equal to the third metatarsal after Weil osteotomy of the second metatarsal or the second and third metatarsals. Based on postoperative weightbearing and digital AP radiographs after Weil osteotomy, we divided the patients into 2 groups: group 1, the second metatarsal was longer than or equal to the third metatarsal; and group 2, the second metatarsal was shorter than the third metatarsal. We investigated whether there were differences between the groups. In 35 (66%) feet, the second metatarsal was longer than or equal to the third metatarsal (group 1), and in 18 (34%) feet, the second metatarsal was shorter than the third metatarsal (group 2). Postoperative American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society scores were 86.2 and 82.7, respectively (p = .32). Postoperative Visual Analog Scale scores were 1.26 and 1.67, respectively (p = .39). The sample showed 11.3% of transfer metatarsalgia to the third metatarsal. Group 1 had 9% of transfer metatarsalgia, whereas group 2 had 17% of transfer metatarsalgia (p = .40). The presence of a second metatarsal shorter than the third metatarsal, after Weil osteotomy of the second metatarsal or the second and third metatarsals, does not influence outcomes or incidence of transfer metatarsalgia to the third metatarsal.     

Surgical treatment for hallux valgus with painful plantar callosities

We retrospectively reviewed the results of a distal soft-tissue procedure and proximal crescentic osteotomy of the first metatarsal combined with a proximal shortening osteotomy of the second and/or third metatarsal. This was in patients who had hallux valgus with painful plantar callosities. The review covered seven years of procedures (1989-1996) in 12 patients (14 feet) averaging 53 years of age. Average follow-up was 52 months. All patients had pain at the first metatarsophalangeal joint and had metatarsalgia preoperatively. At follow-up, 11 feet had no pain at the first metatarsophalangeal joint, and three had some improvement of pain. Ten feet had no metatarsalgia, two had improvement of metatarsalgia, and two feet had transfer lesions postoperatively and required reoperation. The angle of hallux valgus averaged 40 degrees preoperatively and 13 degrees postoperatively. The intermetatarsal angle averaged 18 degrees preoperatively and 6 degrees postoperatively. Mean decreases in length of the second and third metatarsal after surgery were 5.4 mm and 4.8 mm, respectively. Our results suggested that this combined procedure for hallux valgus with painful plantar callosities may be successful, in carefully selected patients.     

Plantar pressure and load in cadaver feet after a Weil or chevron osteotomy

BACKGROUND: Since metatarsal osteotomy was first used to treat metatarsalgia in the early twentieth century, many techniques have been described to accomplish the basic aim of reduction of load transmission through the operated metatarsal and reduction of localized high pressure on the plantar surface of the metatarsal. Our study examined two popular distal metatarsal neck osteotomies used for the relief of central metatarsalgia and the biomechanical changes that result from their use in a cadaver forefoot model. METHODS: After applying 445 N (100 lbs) of axially directed force, we measured plantar pressure using the TekScan HR Mat (TekScan, Inc., South Boston, MA) in twelve paired, thawed, fresh-frozen intact cadaver legs, then after either a Weil or chevron osteotomy of the second metatarsal and finally after the addition of the same osteotomy of the third metatarsal. RESULTS: Load in the forefoot was not significantly affected by the Weil osteotomy. A significant increase in load was produced in the first metatarsal region, and significant decreases in load were produced beneath the operated metatarsal heads after the chevron osteotomy. Average pressure in the contact area of the forefoot showed similar trends; however, load and pressure changes occurred independently, owing to the changes in contact area produced by the osteotomies. No significant changes were observed in the nonoperated metatarsal regions. CONCLUSIONS: In this model, the chevron osteotomy more effectively reduced load and plantar pressure in the operated metatarsal regions; however, increases in load and pressure were observed in the first metatarsal region. The increase in pressure without a change in load in region 3 (third metatarsal) after a Weil osteotomy of the third metatarsal was attributed to the creation of a plantar prominence. This study did not show a reduction in load transmission as a result of the Weil osteotomy, which contradicts the proposed mechanism of clinical benefit. An intact first ray likely prevents transfer of load or pressure to adjacent lesser metatarsals with chevron osteotomy.     

The minimally invasive hallux valgus correction (S.E.R.I.)

Introduction Distal metatarsal osteotomies have been described for surgical treatment of hallux valgus with good results. The aim of this study is to review the results of 299 consecutive hallux valgus cases treated by minimally invasive distal metatarsal osteotomy, S.E.R.I. (Simple, Effective, Rapid, Inexpensive). Materials and methods 299 feet in 190 patients (109 bilateral), aged between 35 and 70 years (mean age: 53 years) affected by hallux valgus were studied. A 1 cm medial incision at the metatarsal neck, and a complete osteotomy, using an oscillating saw were performed. With the naked eye all characteristics of the deformity were corrected by displacement of the metatarsal head (HVA, IMA, DMAA, dorsal or plantar displacement). The osteotomy was stabilized by a 2 mm Kirschner wire. Immediate weight bearing was allowed with gauze bandage and Talus shoes for 4 weeks. All patients were checked at an average follow-up of 4 years. Results All osteotomies healed no avascular necrosis of the metatarsal head or pseudoarthrosis of the osteotomy was observed. Mean preoperative AOFAS score was 43 and 88 at follow-up. The mean preoperative HVA was 33, while at follow-up it was 16 (P < 0.05), mean preoperative IMA was 13, while at follow-up it was 7 (P < 0.05), mean preoperative DMAA was 20, while at follow-up it was 8 (P < 0.05). Conclusion S.E.R.I. osteotomy has been simple, effective, rapid and inexpensive in correcting hallux valgus deformity. Clinical and radiographic findings showed an adequate correction of the deformity.     

Plantar forefoot pressure changes after second metatarsal neck osteotomy

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate plantar pressure changes after second metatarsal neck osteotomy using the Weil technique. METHODS: Six below-knee cadaver specimens were used. Each specimen was held in a custom-built apparatus and loaded to 500 N for a period of 3 seconds. Using a computerized Musgrave pedobarograph, pressure measurements were made before and after osteotomy in both neutral and 45-degree heel rise positions. All osteotomies were made at an angle of approximately 20 degrees relative to the long axis of the metatarsal shaft. The metatarsal heads were displaced proximally by 5 mm and fixed with a single Kirschner wire. RESULTS: After osteotomy there was an average decrease in pressure beneath the second metatarsal from 70.6 to 45.1 kPa in neutral and from 813.0 to 281.4 kPa in heel rise, representing statistically significant (p < or = 0.05) decreases of 36% and 65%, respectively. There also were significant decreases beneath the third metatarsal in both neutral (39%) and heel rise (37%), and beneath the fourth metatarsal in neutral position (28%). A significant pressure increase occurred beneath the first metatarsal in neutral (23%). No significant pressure changes occurred under the fifth metatarsal in either position. CONCLUSION: Overall, our results indicated that the Weil metatarsal neck osteotomy is effective at offloading the second metatarsal head at neutral and heel rise positions.     

The Weil osteotomy: a seven-year follow-up

We prospectively evaluated the one- and seven-year results of the Weil osteotomy for the treatment of metatarsalgia with subluxed or dislocated metatarsophalangeal joints in 25 feet of 24 patients. Good to excellent results were achieved in 21 feet (84%) after one year and in 22 (88%) after seven years. The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society score significantly improved from 48 (SD 15) points before surgery to 75 (SD 24) at one year, and 83 (SD 18) at seven years. The procedure significantly reduced pain, diminished isolated plantar callus formation and increased the patient's capacity for walking. Redislocation of the metatarsophalangeal joint was seen in two feet (8%) after one year and in three (12%) after seven years. Although floating toes and restricted movement of the metatarsophalangeal joint may occur, the Weil osteotomy is safe and effective.     

第1跖骨远端Chevron截骨联合软组织松解术治疗拇外翻

目的 :探讨第1跖骨远端Chevron截骨联合软组织松解术治疗轻、中度拇外翻的临床疗效。方法:自2015年6月至2017年6月,采用第1跖骨远端Chevron截骨联合软组织松解术治疗拇外翻32例(40足),其中男3例3足,女29例37足;年龄22～80岁,平均57.57岁;病程2～32年,平均14年;轻度9足,中度31足。术前患者合并拇囊炎,伴有第1跖趾关节周围疼痛并存在负重行走时疼痛加重。手术前后拍摄足负重正侧位片,比较拇外翻角(hallux valgus angle,HVA),第1、2跖骨间角(intermetatarsal angle,IMA),并采用美国足踝外科协会拇外翻评分(AOFAS)评价临床疗效。结果:32例患者获得了随访,时间12～24个月,平均15.2个月。术后切口均愈合良好,无感染、跖骨头坏死等并发症发生。术前HVA、IMA分别由(32.08±5.59)°、(11.63±2.24)°减小至术后12个月的(10.31±4.36)°、(5.02±2.34)°,差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。AOFAS评分由术前的56.75±6.42提高至术后12个月的88.80±3.99 (P0.05)。结论:第1跖骨远端Chevron截骨联合软组织松解术治疗轻、中度拇外翻畸形可获得较好的临床效果,为拇外翻治疗提供了更多的选择。     

Comparative study of the Weil osteotomy with and without fixation

Background

Weil osteotomy is a technique widely used in patients with metatarsalgia which shortens the metatarsal and reduces the load under the metatarsal head.

Methods

The aim of this paper is to compare the results of the Weil osteotomy with and without any fixation system.We present a retrospective study of 92 patients (97 feet) who underwent treatment for metatarsalgia between 1999 and 2005. One hundred and six osteotomies were vixed using a screw amd no fixation was used in 92. The mean follow-up was 51.2 and 46.6 months respectively.

Results

All the patients were evaluated following the AOFAS LMIS scale, obtaining a mean score of 69.8 points (ranged 15–100) and 75.3 points (from 47 to 100) in each group (P = 0.11).

Conclusions

The results of fixed and unfixed Weil osteotomies were not significantly different. Our study could not find a significant relationship between metatarsal shortening and main complications (recurrent metatarsalgia, transfer metatarsalgia and stiffness of the metatarsophalangeal joint).     

The Weil osteotomy for treatment of dislocated lesser metatarsophalangeal joints: Good outcome in 21 patients with 42 osteotomies

Hardly any surgical methods are available for metatarsalgia caused by a dislocated lesser metatarsophalangeal joint (MTP) that do not sacrifice the joint. We reviewed retrospectively the outcome of 60 metatarsal Weil osteotomies for correction of dislocated lesser MTP joints in 31 patients. Between 1995 and 1996, 31 consecutive patients were treated with a Weil osteotomy at 2 institutions. The Weil osteotomy is an oblique osteotomy of the metatarsal neck and shaft, parallel to the ground surface, that controls shortening of the metatarsal by internal fixation with screws or pins. At an average final follow-up of 30 (24-44) months, all patients were interviewed, using a standardized questionnaire based on the AOFAS Lesser Metatarsophalangeal-Interphalangeal Scale. Recurrent or transfer metatarsalgia, formation of callus, mobility and dislocation of the MTP were noted on physical examination. Dorsoplantar and lateral weightbearing radiographs taken preoperatively and at the time of final follow-up were examined for alignment of the metatarsal heads, subluxation or dislocation and for evidence of nonunion, or malunion of the metatarsal osteotomy. We had excellent results in 21 patients (42 osteotomies). A major complication was plantar penetrating hardware in 10 cases (3 screws and 7 pins). We conclude that the Weil osteotomy is a good method for correcting metatarsalgia caused by dislocation of the MTP joint.     

Second metatarsal osteotomies for metatarsalgia: A robotic cadaveric study of the effect of osteotomy plane and metatarsal shortening on plantar pressure

Symptom relief of recalcitrant metatarsalgia can be achieved through surgical shortening of the affected metatarsal, thus decreasing plantar pressure. Theoretically an oblique metatarsal osteotomy can be oriented distal to proximal (DP) or proximal to distal (PD). We characterized the relationship between the amount of second metatarsal shortening, osteotomy plane, and plantar pressure. We hypothesized that the PD osteotomy is more effective in reducing metatarsal peak pressure and pressure time integral. We performed eight DP and eight PD second metatarsal osteotomies on eight pairs of cadaveric feet. A custom designed robotic gait simulator (RGS) generated dynamic in vitro simulations of gait. Second metatarsals were incrementally shortened, with three trials for each length. We calculated regression lines for peak pressure and pressure time integral vs. metatarsal shortening. Shortening the second metatarsal using either osteotomy significantly affected the metatarsal peak pressure and pressure time integral (first and third metatarsal increased, p < 0.01 and <0.05; second metatarsal decreased, p < 0.01). Changes in peak pressure (p = 0.0019) and pressure time integral (p = 0.0046) were more sensitive to second metatarsal shortening with the PD osteotomy than the DP osteotomy. The PD osteotomy plane reduces plantar pressure more effectively than the DP osteotomy plane. Published 2013 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of the Orthopaedic Research Society. J Orthop Res 32:385–393, 2014.