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.     

Basal closing wedge osteotomy for correction of hallux valgus and metatarsus primus varus: 10- to 22-year follow-up

Between 1974 and 1985, 59 patients (83 feet) underwent basal closing wedge osteotomy in combination with a bunionectomy and a lateral soft tissue release for correction of hallux valgus and metatarsus primus varus at this institution. Of the original 59 patients, 42 patients (60 feet) with at least 10 years of follow-up (average, 194 months; range, 144-266 months) were available for this study. Results were analyzed by review of the medical records and plain radiographs, a standardized clinical questionnaire, and physical examination. Of the 60 feet, patients rated outcomes as excellent or good in 51 feet (85%) and rated cosmesis as excellent or good in 44 feet (73%). Radiographically at final follow-up, hallux valgus and intermetatarsal angles averaged 19.9 degrees (range, 0-40 degrees) and 6.7 degrees (range, 0-18 degrees), respectively. The sesamoid position was corrected from an average preoperative grade of 2.6 to a grade of 0.9 at final follow-up. The average shortening of the first metatarsal was 5 mm. The disadvantages of the closing wedge osteotomy are that it is technically demanding and it entails the risk of shortening, dorsal malalignment, and metatarsalgia. In the current study, long-term complications included hallux varus deformity (16 feet), dorsal malalignment (15 feet), and metatarsalgia (14 feet). Despite good correction of the intermetatarsal angle and sesamoid position, the clinical results and the incidence of complications after basal closing wedge osteotomy were not as favorable as those reported for other procedures in the literature. Therefore, alternative procedures, such as the basal crescentic osteotomy or the basal chevron osteotomy, should be used.     

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.     

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.     

Scarf与第1跖骨双平面截骨治疗拇外翻畸形的病例对照研究

目的：比较Scarf截骨术与第1跖骨双平面截骨术（double metatarsal osteotomy,DMO）治疗中重度拇外翻的临床疗效。方法：回顾性分析2017年1月至2019年12月治疗的50例（81足）中重度拇外翻畸形患者,根据截骨方式不同分为Scarf截骨术（Scarf osteotomy,SO）组或DMO组。SO组26例（44足）,男1例,女25例;年龄48~65（55.50±4.67）岁;中度18例（30足）,重度8例（14足）。DMO组24例（37足）,男1例,女23例;年龄45~62（52.10±6.80）岁;中度14例（24足）,重度10例（13足）。手术前后在足部负重正位X线片上测量并比较拇外翻角（hallux valgus angle,HVA）、第1、2跖骨间角（intermetatarsal angle,IMA）及远端跖骨关节面角（distal metatarsal articular angle,DMAA）,第1跖骨相对长度（relative length of first metatarsal,RLFM）的变化情况。术前及末次随访时采用美国足踝外科协会（American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society,AOFAS）拇趾、跖趾、趾间关节评分进行临床疗效评价。观察两组患者负重时间及并发症情况。结果：50例患者均获得随访,SO组随访时间12~36（20.50±6.22）个月,DMO组16~28（19.80±2.44）个月,两组随访时间比较,差异无统计学意义（P>0.05）。所有切口Ⅰ期愈合,术后（20.31±3.17）个月截骨均愈合,SO组术后1例出现获得性拇内收畸形,未出现转移跖痛;DMO组术后2例发生转移性跖痛。两组手术前后HVA、IMA、DMAA、AOFAS评分比较,差异无统计学意义（P>0.05）;术前两组RLFM比较,差异无统计学意义（P>0.05）,两组末次随访时RLFM比较,差异有统计学意义（P<0.05）。SO组部分负重时间及完全负重时间显著早于DMO组（P<0.05）。结论：Scarf截骨与第1跖骨双平面截骨均可有效治疗中重度拇外翻畸形,影像学及临床评估相似,但术后第1跖骨相对长度SO组较DMO组延长,Scarf截骨下地负重时间早于第1跖骨双平面截骨。     

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.     

Proximal closing wedge lesser metatarsal osteotomy for metatarsophalangeal joint transverse plane realignment. Surgical technique and outcome

BackgroundWe describe the surgical technique and outcome of a proximal closing wedge osteotomy of the lesser metatarsals, to treat medial or lateral subluxation of the MTP joints, with toe deviation, when dorsiflexion (MTPJ dorsal subluxation) deformity is not present.MethodsThe principle of surgical correction, is the shift of the metatarsal head in the direction of the deformity, to allow restoration of congruity of the metatarsophalangeal joint. The osteotomies were performed at the proximal metaphyseal level. At the same time, soft tissue release, consisting of division of the inter-metatarsal ligament on the other side of the deformity, allows adequate displacement.ResultsFour patients, followed for 12 months, were asymptomatic and very satisfied with the outcome, while clinical and radiographic alignment was maintained.ConclusionsThe described surgical technique can be performed in selected patients with transverse plane deformities of the lesser metatarsals.     

Forefoot reconstruction: Effectiveness of Stainsby operation in treating disclocated lesser toes

BackgroundDeformity of the forefoot is a common disabling problem especially in chronic rheumatoid arthritis. The most common deformities are hallux valgus and dorsally dislocated clawed lesser toes.ObjectiveThis paper assesses results of forefoot reconstruction with emphasis on the effectiveness of Stainsby's procedure in treating severely clawed lesser toes with irreducible dislocation at the metatarsophalangeal joint. The purpose of this procedure is to remove the deforming forces causing depression of the metatarsal head, and restore the dorsally displaced plantar plate of the MTP joint and the related part of the plantar fat pad to their correct position beneath the metatarsal head.MethodSeventy-four patients were operated on between 1998 and 2003. Sixty-nine patients (94 feet) were available for review at an average of 32 months (range 10–67) post surgery. American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Scores (AOFAS) were measured and footprints were obtained. Patients were asked about overall satisfaction and whether they would recommend the operation to a family member.ResultsEighty-nine of the 94 feet (95%) had severe or moderate pain preoperatively under the dislocated metatarsal head; only 19 (20%) had significant pain at review. Tender plantar callosities were reduced from 76 feet preoperatively (81%) to 31 feet (33%) at review, these were mainly under un-operated metatarsal heads. Footprints showed a normal loading under 63% of operated metatarsal heads. AOFAS scores were increased from a mean of 19 preoperatively to 52 at review. Residual valgus of the big toe of more than 25° persisted in 33 feet (35%). Corrective osteotomy of 44 first metatarsals resulted in significant residual valgus in 16 feet (36%).ConclusionsStainsby operation was effective in relieving pain and skin callosities from under dislocated lesser metatarsal heads, and in reducing shoe problems, but the osteotomy performed by the authors was unreliable in correcting valgus of the big toe.     

经皮微创截骨术联合8字绷带和分趾垫外固定治疗中度拇外翻

目的:探讨经皮微创截骨术联合“8”字绷带和分趾垫外固定治疗中度拇外翻的临床疗效。方法:自2019年8月至2021年1月采用经皮微创截骨术联合“8”字绷带和分趾垫外固定治疗中度拇外翻患者23例,失访1例,最终纳入22例(30足),男4例6足,女18例24足,年龄27～66 (50.59±11.95)岁。比较术前和术后6个月患足拇外翻角(hallux valgus angle,HVA),第1、2跖骨间角(intermetatarsal angle,IMA),跖骨跨度(第1、5跖骨头之间的距离)和软组织宽度变化情况,并采用美国足踝外科协会踝-后足评分标准(American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society,AOFAS)进行临床疗效评价,采用视觉模拟评分(visual analogue scale,VAS)评价足部自觉疼痛情况。结果:22例患者获得随访,时间5.7～6.4(6.13±0.85)个月。患者第1跖骨截骨处均获得骨性愈合,足趾外观畸形得到纠正,术后患足未出现跖骨头缺血性坏死、转移性跖骨痛等并发症。术后6个月患足HVA、IMA、跖骨跨度、软组织宽度、...     

More than 20 years’ follow-up of metatarsal neck shortening oblique osteotomy for rheumatoid forefoot deformity

BackgroundIn recent years, advances in pharmacotherapy for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have dramatically improved the control of disease activity. However, a significant number of patients still develop forefoot deformity. The purpose of this study was to investigate the results of more than 20 years’ follow-up of metatarsal neck shortening oblique osteotomy (SOO) for forefoot deformity in patients with RA.MethodsThe metatarsal neck SOO was performed on 163 feet in 108 patients between January 1985 and December 1996 in the authors’ hospital. For the patients, who met the survey criteria, an observational study was performed clinically and radiologically at the baseline and at more than 20 years after surgery.ResultsA retrospective cohort study was conducted on 36 feet in 22 patients, all of whom were female, and the mean age at surgery was 45.6 (35.0–63.0) years old. The follow-up period was 25.1 (21.0–31.0) years. The presence of painful callosities in the surgically treated feet without revised surgeries decreased from 32 feet (100%) to 4 feet (12.5%) at the last follow-up with mild pain that did not cause any footwear problems. Re-osteotomy at the metatarsal of the lessor toe was performed on four feet in two patients. Radiologically, among 128 toes without revised surgeries, 85% were able to have the joint space preserved, and 89% maintained a pain-free condition without any recurrence of deformity. The mean total Japanese Society for Surgery for the Foot (JSSF) RA foot and ankle score was 64.0/100, and the visual analogue scale (VAS) of overall satisfaction was 62 (0: dissatisfied, 100: highly satisfied). The overall satisfaction had a positive correlation with calcaneal pitch and negative correlation with joint space narrowing at the talocrural joint.ConclusionsMetatarsal neck SOO appeared to be effective for patients with RA. The deformity was corrected and retained for a long time.     

Joint preserving procedures for painful plantar callosities in patients with flexible cavovarus foot

BackgroundThe outcome of a constant joint preserving procedure for painful plantar callosities with cavovarus foot remains unclear.MethodsEleven patients (11 feet) who underwent lateral displacement calcaneal osteotomy (LDCO), dorsiflexion first metatarsal osteotomy (DFMO), and plantar fasciotomy (PF), simultaneously were included. The presence of painful callosities, heel alignment of standing (HA), and the Japanese Society for Surgery of the Foot ankle/hindfoot (JSSF) score were evaluated. Radiographically, the talonavicular coverage angle (TNCA), lateral talo-first metatarsal angle (LTMA), calcaneal pitch angle (CPA), and heel alignment angle (HAA) were measured.ResultsPostoperatively, painful plantar callosities disappeared in 10 patients and remained in one patient. The postoperative HA and JSSF score significantly improved. The postoperative TNCA, LTMA, CPA, and HAA significantly improved.ConclusionsIn patients with flexible cavovarus foot, LDCO, DFMO, and PF yielded good outcomes at mid-term follow-up with preservation of the foot and ankle joints.     

The Weil osteotomy for the treatment of painful plantar keratoses

Management of painful plantar corns remains challenging. Failure of conservative treatment may necessitate surgical intervention. The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of the Weil osteotomy in the treatment of painful plantar corns. A total of 29 patients (33 feet) underwent Weil osteotomy combined with plantar lesion excision of a single metatarsal of either the second, third or fourth metatarsals. These were reviewed post-operatively at an average of 42.4 months. At final review, nine feet (27%) presented with a corn. Four feet (12%) developed transfer metatarsalgia with a total of seven feet (21%) requiring revision surgery. The average metatarsal shortening was 4.5 mm. Requirement for regular clinical lesion reduction fell from an average of 5.6 weeks to 12 weeks (P<0.001) between treatments and the American Orthopaedic Foot And Ankle Society clinical rating scale improved by an average of 48 points (P<0.001). The Weil osteotomy is a moderately effective intervention which should be considered in planning the treatment of intractable plantar corns.     

Use of the modified Stainsby procedure in correcting severe claw toe deformity in the rheumatoid foot: A retrospective review

IntroductionIn claw toe deformity, the plantar plate of the metarsophalangeal joint becomes displaced onto the dorsal aspect of the metatarsal head. The Stainsby procedure replaces the displaced plantar plate to its correct position beneath the metatarsal head.ObjectiveIn this study we assess the efficacy of a modified Stainsby procedure for the treatment of claw toe deformity.MethodsThirteen patients were operated on between 2002 and 2008. Eleven patients (13 feet) were available for review with the average follow-up period being 16 months. Clinical examination was performed and AOFAS forefoot scores were measured.ResultsAll 13 (100%) of the feet operated on had severe or moderate pain preoperatively. None had significant pain at review. Plantar callosities were reduced from 13 (100%) feet preoperatively to 1 (9%) foot postoperatively. The AOFAS forefoot score in the eleven patients improved significantly by 40.7 points from a preoperative mean of 20.1 to a mean of 50.2 at review (p < 0.001). Ten (91%) of the 11 patients were completely satisfied with the procedure, 1 patient was satisfied with some reservations.ConclusionThis study demonstrates the modified Stainsby procedure to be effective in correcting claw toe deformity in the rheumatoid patient. It relieves pain, skin callosities and improves overall forefoot function.     

Dorsiflexion metatarsal osteotomy for treatment of recalcitrant diabetic neuropathic ulcers

Twenty diabetic patients underwent 22 dorsiflexion metatarsal osteotomies for treatment of chronic persistent or recurrent neuropathic forefoot ulcers. Mean duration of nonoperative treatment was 13 months. The procedure consisted of irrigation and debridement of the ulcer followed by basilar closing wedge metatarsal osteotomy performed through a dorsal approach. At follow-up, complete ulcer healing was noted in 21 cases (95%) at an average of 40 days postoperatively. Complications occurred in 15 cases (68%). The main problems encountered postoperatively were acute Charcot disease (32%) and deep wound infections (14%). Transfer lesions under adjacent metatarsal heads developed in two cases (9%). One ulcer (5%) failed to heal secondary to vascular insufficiency and eventually required a below the knee amputation after a failed revascularization attempt. Loss of screw fixation occurred in one patient (5%) but acceptable metatarsal alignment was maintained and the ulcer healed uneventfully. There were no cases of ulcer recurrence. The results of this study suggest that dorsiflexion metatarsal osteotomy is a reliable salvage procedure for the treatment of recalcitrant neuropathic forefoot ulcers that have failed an adequate trial of nonoperative treatment. This procedure is associated with a high complication rate, as would be expected in this patient population.     

Complications of the Grice-Green operation

A case presentation involving complications resulting from errors in surgical technique with the Grice-Green procedure is discussed in this report. The patient was treated 18 years after bilateral tendo achillis lengthenings and Grice-Green extra-articular subtalar arthrodeses with autogenous tibial bone grafts. The complications encountered were severe adductovarus deformity of the feet with multiple painful plantar callosities, in-toed gait with weightbearing on the lateral aspect of the feet, inversion ankle instability, and tripping over the feet. Deformity and symptoms were worse on the right foot. The patient required further surgery, consisting of bilateral calcaneal osteotomy, metatarsal neck osteotomies, excision of callosities and ostectomies for painful plantar metatarsal base lesions, tenotomy of the abductor hallucis and digital fusions. The original surgery was performed for idiopathic flatfeet. Despite the many different causes of flatfoot for which the Grice-Green procedure has been employed, most authors believe it should not be used for idiopathic flatfeet, and restrict its use to the original indication, that of paralytic pes valgus secondary to poliomyelitis. The reader should also realize that there are very long-term consequences to surgery on the pediatric patient.     

Plantar pressure distribution and pain after distal osteotomy for hallux valgus: A prospective study of 22 patients with 12-month follow-up

BackgroundElevated pressure under the central forefoot region is common in hallux valgus and this is often associated with metatarsalgia.ObjectiveTo ascertain whether there was a difference in pain and plantar pressure distribution parameters after correction of the deformity by two distal metatarsal osteotomy techniques.MethodsTwenty-two patients randomly assigned to distal chevron or Lindgren first metatarsal osteotomy were evaluated prospectively with dynamic plantar pressure measurement, quality of life scores and clinical and radiographic measurements. Data were collected pre-operatively, at 6 and 12 months after surgery. Results of the combined operated group were compared with an age-matched control group.ResultsThere were no significant differences in plantar pressure distribution parameters between the two operated groups at any occasion. At 6 months peak pressure was significantly less under the lateral forefoot in the operated feet compared with the non-operated feet and significantly greater under the central forefoot than in the control group and the medial forefoot than under the non-operated feet, although the operated group had normalised after 12 months. The visual analogue scale (VAS) showed significant improvements after both surgical techniques.ConclusionBoth surgical techniques resulted in significant clinical and radiographic improvements and reduced the level of pain, although the foot pressure recordings demonstrated no biomechanical effect.     

Metatarsal extension osteotomy without plantar aponeurosis release in cavus feet. The effect on claw toe deformity a radiographic assessment

BackgroundThis study reviewed patients undergoing correction of cavus foot deformity by metatarsal extension osteotomy with preservation of the plantar aponeurosis, and assessed the correction achieved of the claw deformity of the toe by radiographic assessment.Method15 patients (18 feet) were reviewed clinically and radiographically. All feet required extension osteotomy of the first metatarsal and four patients (5 feet) had extension osteotomy of the first to fourth metatarsals. Hallux extension angle in relation to the 1st metatarsal and in relation to the ground was measured in all feet to estimate the degree of clawing of the hallux.Results13 patients (15 feet) were satisfied with the outcome of their surgery and also the appearance of their foot. The mean radiographic change in the hallux extension angle in relation to the 1st metatarsal was 16°, and in relation to the ground was 7°. These changes were statistically significant.ConclusionOur results indicate an improvement in the claw toe deformity and we recommend preservation of the plantar aponeurosis in corrective surgery for cavus foot.     

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.     

Mitchell bunionectomy: an analysis of four hundred and thirty personal cases plus a review of the literature

An analysis of 430 personal cases of Mitchell bunionectomy (517 feet) shows that there were 28 (6.5%) male patients and 402 (93.5%) female patients whose age ranged from 14 to 91 years with an average age of 48.5 years and follow-up periods ranging from 6 months to 14 years and 4 months. One hundred thirty-two (30.7%) second hammer toe operations accompanied these Mitchell bunionectomies, and all 430 patients had their second metatarsals longer than their corresponding first metatarsals by an average of 9.3 mm. The author employed a biplane plantar angulation and closing wedge valgus osteotomy of the first metatarsal neck that reduced the first metatarsophalangeal angle from an average of 30 to 13.8 degrees, and the first intermetatarsal angle from an average of 14.7 to 6.1 degrees, with an average first metatarsal shortening of 4.9 mm. The average lateral displacement of the first metatarsal head was 6.5 mm., and three cases of medial angulation and 13 cases of dorsal displacement of the first metatarsal head were encountered. By personally examining 100 randomly selected post-Mitchell bunionectomy patients, the author found that 85% of them had good to excellent results, and 15% had fair to poor results. Avascular necrosis, nonunion, or osteomyelitis of the first metatarsal was not found in this series. A reasonably short first metatarsal and senior citizens with adequate pedal circulation and healthy first metatarsophalangeal joints were fairly good candidates for Mitchell bunionectomy, and early, full weight bearing in a postbunionectomy toe spica walking cast appeared to be quite desirable. However, painful arthrosis of the first metatarsophalangeal joint, a very short first metatarsal, a very wide first intermetatarsal angle, and dysvascular and diabetic feet are poor candidates for Mitchell bunionectomy.     

Clinical effectiveness and safety of Weil’s osteotomy and distal metatarsal mini-invasive osteotomy (DMMO) in the treatment of metatarsalgia: A systematic review

BackgroundWeil’s osteotomy (WO) is the most applied surgical treatment for metatarsalgia, a persistent pain in the lesser metatarsals’ heads. We aim to review its effectiveness and safety compared to the percutaneous technique known as distal metatarsal mini-invasive osteotomy (DMMO).MethodsSystematic review in Medline, Pubmed, Embase, Cinahl and Cochrane Library. We included studies that directly compared WO and DMMO for the treatment of primary metatarsalgia. Data on pain, function, complications and patients’ satisfaction were extracted and narratively synthesized.ResultsFour retrospective studies were identified. There were no significant differences in clinical effectiveness or patients’ satisfaction. Time to bone healing was significantly longer for DMMO, whereas WO showed more wound problems and metatarsophalangeal stiffness. Other complications were infrequent in the two procedures.ConclusionEvidence on the direct comparison of WO and DMMO is scarce and of low quality. Randomized studies are needed in order to control for potential confounders.