Bone-lengthening for shortness of the fourth toe

Short fourth metatarsals were observed in 102 patients, often bilaterally. Forty-six of these patients were treated by variations on Jinnaka's bone-lengthening method--that is, interposing a spindle-shaped bone graft within the metatarsophalangeal joint. We examined twenty-six patients clinically and roentgenographically after a follow-up averaging 11.4 years. Satisfactory results were obtained in 74.4 per cent.