Metatarsal Shortening Osteotomy Research Articles

Cheilectomy and the Shortening PelCO for the Treatment of Low-grade Hallux Rigidus

Hallux rigidus is a degenerative condition of the first metatarsophalangeal joint resulting in stiffness and pain. Surgical treatments can be divided into joint-sparing and joint-sacrificing procedures. Cheilectomy has been recommended as an isolated procedure for the treatment of low-grade hallux rigidus (I and II, even III in some articles). First metatarsal shortening osteotomies are indicated in low-grade hallux rigidus. The Shortening Percutaneous, Intra-articular, Chevron Osteotomy resembles the Green-Watermann procedures regarding shortening and decompression. Shortening Percutaneous, Intra-articular, Chevron Osteotomy provides excellent clinical and functional results and represents a viable treatment option to decrease pain, improve function, and maintain motion for hallux rigidus grade I and II. Level of Evidence: Diagnostic level IV.

Republication of "Evidence Versus Practice: Operative Treatment Preferences in Hallux Valgus".

There is substantial variability in the operative treatment of hallux valgus despite the existence of high quality evidence to guide treatment decisions. The purpose of this study was to determine the current trends in the treatment of mild, moderate, and severe hallux valgus and if greater degrees of consensus correlate with the presence of higher-level evidence. Members of the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society completed a 14-item survey. A total of 131 (14%) of 922 members completed the survey. Three cases representing 3 stages of HV were presented, and respondents selected their preferred treatment. Preferred forms of proximal and distal metatarsal osteotomies, as well as mode of fixation for each, were inquired. In the treatment of mild hallux valgus without second metatarsalgia, 80% of those surveyed chose a distal metatarsal osteotomy, while, if second metatarsalgia was present, 56% chose a distal metatarsal osteotomy with a second metatarsal-shortening osteotomy. In the treatment of moderate hallux valgus, there was generally less consensus, while, in the treatment of severe hallux valgus, a majority of those surveyed chose a Lapidus procedure, with the addition of a second metatarsal-shortening osteotomy in the presence of second metatarsalgia. The most popular distal and proximal metatarsal osteotomies, respectively, were chevron osteotomy (80%) and opening wedge osteotomy (33%). The presence of Level I evidence did not significantly correlate with higher degrees of consensus. Despite the existence of high-quality evidence supporting the use of certain procedures in the treatment of HV, there exists an apparent lack of consensus among surgeons about the choice of surgical procedures. Moreover, higher-level evidence was not correlated with greater consensus in hallux valgus. Level II.

Plantar Pressure Distribution Before and After Surgery for Lesser Metatarsophalangeal Joint Dislocation With Hallux Valgus

Hallux valgus surgery and open reduction of the lesser metatarsophalangeal joints with metatarsal shortening osteotomy help treat severe hallux valgus concomitant with the lesser metatarsophalangeal joint dislocation; however, pre- and postoperative plantar pressure distribution and its effect on the foot remain unclear. The pre- and postoperative groups comprised 16 patients with moderate-to-severe symptomatic hallux valgus with lesser metatarsophalangeal joint dislocation. All feet underwent open reduction and collateral ligament reconstruction of the second metatarsophalangeal joint and proximal metatarsal shortening osteotomy under the second metatarsal with proximal osteotomy of the first metatarsal. Twenty healthy participants (20 feet) were included in the control group. The plantar pressure distribution was determined by measuring the peak pressure, maximum force, contact area, and force-time integral for 12 regions. Under the second toe, all measurements in the preoperative group were significantly lower than those of the control group. The peak pressure, maximum force, and contact area of the postoperative group were significantly greater than those of the preoperative group. However, no differences were observed between the postoperative and control groups. Under the second metatarsal head, the peak pressure of the preoperative group was significantly higher than that of the control group. The peak pressure of the postoperative group was significantly lower than that of the preoperative group and showed no differences from the control group. Open reduction and collateral ligament reconstruction of the lesser metatarsophalangeal joints and proximal metatarsal shortening osteotomy with proximal osteotomy of the first metatarsal in hallux valgus with lesser metatarsophalangeal joints dislocation cases may improve operative outcomes, including favorable foot function.

Operative treatment options for Morton’s neuroma other than neurectomy − a systematic review

BackgroundThe effectiveness of operative treatments other than neurectomy for Morton’s neuroma remains debatable despite several reported studies. This review aimed to evaluate the effects of operative treatments for Morton’s neuroma other than neurectomy using an algorithmic approach and a structured critical framework to assess the methodological quality of reported studies. MethodsSeveral electronic databases were searched for articles published until August 2021 that evaluated the outcomes of operative treatments other than neurectomy in patients diagnosed with Morton’s neuroma. Data searches, extraction, analysis, and quality assessments were performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, and the clinical outcomes were evaluated using objective, subjective, and negative outcomes; complications; and reoperation rate and type. ResultsAfter reviewing 11,213 studies, 22 studies were finally included. Although a number of studies with high level of evidence are limited, we divided them according to four categories: (1) neurolysis with or without nerve transposition, (2) minimally invasive nerve decompression, (3) metatarsal osteotomy, and (4) additional procedures after nerve transection or neurectomy. All categories showed reliable outcomes except minimally invasive nerve decompression. The proportion of postoperative neurogenic symptoms was lower with neurolysis than with neurectomy. ConclusionWhether the alternative procedures were superior to neurectomy remains unclear as the number of good quality studies was limited. The proportion of postoperative neurogenic symptoms was lower with neurolysis than with neurectomy. Furthermore, performing simultaneous dorsal transposition of the nerve along with neurolysis is more recommended than neurolysis alone. Surgeons should be more careful with minimally invasive deep transverse intermetatarsal ligament release and metatarsal shortening osteotomy as their effectiveness remains inconclusive. Finally, we strongly recommend performing intramuscular embedding or intermuscular transposition of the nerve cutting end if neurectomy or nerve transection is inevitable. Level of evidenceLevel III, systematic review

Time Course of Quality of Life Improvement Between Resection Arthroplasty and Metatarsophalangeal Joint-Preserving Forefoot Arthroplasty for Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Resection arthroplasty has long been a major treatment option for forefoot deformity caused by rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint-preserving surgery is now surpassing classic resection arthroplasty. This study was performed to compare the postoperative results of these 2 operative methods. Fifty-one toes of 40 patients with RA who underwent resection arthroplasty (resection group) or MTP joint-preserving arthroplasty (preservation group) from 2014 to 2017 for forefoot deformity were followed up for >1 year and were retrospectively analyzed. In the preservation group, open reduction of joint dislocation was performed if needed, and the deformity was corrected by metatarsal shortening osteotomy. The mean follow-up period was 21 months. The Japanese Society for Surgery of the Foot (JSSF) scales (objective outcome measures), the Self-Administered Foot Evaluation Questionnaire (SAFE-Q) (subjective outcome measure), and radiographic indices were compared between the groups. The resection group and preservation group comprised 15 toes of 11 patients and 36 toes of 29 patients, respectively. There were no significant differences in the preoperative radiographic indices, JSSF scales, or SAFE-Q results between the 2 groups. The preservation group showed better JSSF scores at the last follow-up (median hallux scale, 89 vs 74; median lesser scale, 87 vs 79). In the preservation group, the SAFE-Q scores gradually improved with time until 12 months postoperatively. In the resection group, the scores decreased 3 months postoperatively and then improved and reached a plateau 6 months postoperatively. At 12 months postoperatively, there was no significant difference in the SAFE-Q scores between the 2 groups. MTP joint-preserving arthroplasty resulted in superior objective scores to resection arthroplasty in patients with RA forefoot deformity. Although the subjective scores did not differ between the groups at the last follow-up, the time course of postoperative quality of life improvement was different between the 2 surgeries. Level III, retrospective comparative study.

Can We Abandon Saw Wedge Resection in Lapidus Fusion? A Comparative Study of Joint Preparation Techniques Regarding Correction of Deformity, Union Rate, and Preservation of First Ray Length

The traditional joint preparation technique for Lapidus fusion involves wedge resection using a saw to achieve correction of intermetatarsal angular deformity. The main drawback of this approach is undesirable shortening of the first ray, which can predispose to second ray overload that may preclude the procedure for a subset of patients or may necessitate second metatarsal shortening osteotomy. The goal of this study was to determine whether a first ray length-preserving joint preparation technique (curette and bur) achieves equivalent correction of deformity and fusion rate without first ray shortening compared with the standard saw wedge resection technique. A retrospective review of consecutive cases from January 2007 to August 2014 identified 62 patients who underwent 65 Lapidus fusions for hallux valgus correction with crossed-screw fixation. All patients treated from 2007 to 2010 had saw wedge resection, whereas all patients treated from 2011 to 2014 had curette and bur joint preparation without use of a saw. The mean intermetatarsal angle correction was 9.06° (range 5° to 14.7°) in the saw wedge resection group and 8.11° (range 2.8° to 15.5°) in the curette and bur group, a difference that was not statistically significant. The mean amount of first ray shortening was –3.14 (range –6.1 to 0) mm in the saw wedge resection group and –0.86 (range –2.3 to 4.2) mm in the curette and bur group, a result that was statistically significant. Osseous union was confirmed radiographically at 10 weeks postoperatively in all cases. These findings suggest that first ray length can be preserved using a more conservative joint preparation technique regardless of preoperative deformity, without compromising correction of deformity or union rate.

Evidence Versus Practice: Operative Treatment Preferences in Hallux Valgus

Background: There is substantial variability in the operative treatment of hallux valgus despite the existence of high quality evidence to guide treatment decisions. The purpose of this study was to determine the current trends in the treatment of mild, moderate, and severe hallux valgus and if greater degrees of consensus correlate with the presence of higher-level evidence. Methods: Members of the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society completed a 14-item survey. A total of 131 (14%) of 922 members completed the survey. Three cases representing 3 stages of HV were presented, and respondents selected their preferred treatment. Preferred forms of proximal and distal metatarsal osteotomies, as well as mode of fixation for each, were inquired. Results: In the treatment of mild hallux valgus without second metatarsalgia, 80% of those surveyed chose a distal metatarsal osteotomy, while, if second metatarsalgia was present, 56% chose a distal metatarsal osteotomy with a second metatarsal-shortening osteotomy. In the treatment of moderate hallux valgus, there was generally less consensus, while, in the treatment of severe hallux valgus, a majority of those surveyed chose a Lapidus procedure, with the addition of a second metatarsal-shortening osteotomy in the presence of second metatarsalgia. The most popular distal and proximal metatarsal osteotomies, respectively, were chevron osteotomy (80%) and opening wedge osteotomy (33%). The presence of Level I evidence did not significantly correlate with higher degrees of consensus. Conclusion: Despite the existence of high-quality evidence supporting the use of certain procedures in the treatment of HV, there exists an apparent lack of consensus among surgeons about the choice of surgical procedures. Moreover, higher-level evidence was not correlated with greater consensus in hallux valgus. Level of Evidence: Level II.

Joint Preservation in the Rheumatoid Forefoot: Commentary on an article by Junichi Kushioka, MD, et al.: "Modified Scarf Osteotomy with Medial Capsule Interposition for Hallux Valgus in Rheumatoid Arthritis. A Study of Cases Including Severe First Metatarsophalangeal Joint Destruction".

Joint Preservation in the Rheumatoid Forefoot: Commentary on an article by Junichi Kushioka, MD, et al.: "Modified Scarf Osteotomy with Medial Capsule Interposition for Hallux Valgus in Rheumatoid Arthritis. A Study of Cases Including Severe First Metatarsophalangeal Joint Destruction".

Clinical effects of simple hallux valgus surgery for transfer metatarsalgia

Objective: To analyze the clinical effects of simple hallux valgus surgery for transfer metatarsalgia. Methods: From September 2011 to November, a total of 21 patients(30 feets)with transfer metatarsalgia of hallux valgus and underwent the simple hallux valgus surgery without lateral metatarsal shortening osteotomy In Department of Orthopedics, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, were enrolled in the study.The hallux valgus angle (HVA), intermetatarsal angle (IMA) , AOFAS scale and analogue score (VAS) were measured pre-operation and a half year, one year, two years after operation.The data were measured repeatedly and analyzed with analysis of variance. Results: The mean preoperative HVA changed [(39.6±9.7), (14.2±7.9), (14.8±7.9), (13.2±6.5)°] at 6 months, 1 year and 2 years follow-up; the mean IMA decreased [(13.8±4.0), (4.5±4.3), (5.8±3.9), (5.4±4.9)°] at 6 months, 1 year and 2 years follow-up(all P<0.001).63.5% of metatarsalgia cases improved, and 73.1% of painful callosities disappeared postoperatively.All the patients do not require further surgeries. The mean AOFAS for hallux , AOFAS for lesser toes and VAS were improved from 58.96 to 95.42, from 84.38 to 92.04 and from 7.5 to 1.3, respectively. All the results are statistically significant(P<0.001). Conclusion: These results suggest that a simple osteotomy of the first metatarsal provides excellent outcomes with a low rate of complications when compared with the combining lateral metatarsal shortening osteotomy.

NEMISIS neuropathic minimally invasive surgeries for diabetic foot pathology

The effectiveness of operative treatments other than neurectomy for Morton’s neuroma remains debatable despite several reported studies. This review aimed to evaluate the effects of operative treatments for Morton’s neuroma other than neurectomy using an algorithmic approach and a structured critical framework to assess the methodological quality of reported studies.Several electronic databases were searched for articles published until August 2021 that evaluated the outcomes of operative treatments other than neurectomy in patients diagnosed with Morton’s neuroma. Data searches, extraction, analysis, and quality assessments were performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, and the clinical outcomes were evaluated using objective, subjective, and negative outcomes; complications; and reoperation rate and type.After reviewing 11,213 studies, 22 studies were finally included. Although a number of studies with high level of evidence are limited, we divided them according to four categories: (1) neurolysis with or without nerve transposition, (2) minimally invasive nerve decompression, (3) metatarsal osteotomy, and (4) additional procedures after nerve transection or neurectomy. All categories showed reliable outcomes except minimally invasive nerve decompression. The proportion of postoperative neurogenic symptoms was lower with neurolysis than with neurectomy.Whether the alternative procedures were superior to neurectomy remains unclear as the number of good quality studies was limited. The proportion of postoperative neurogenic symptoms was lower with neurolysis than with neurectomy. Furthermore, performing simultaneous dorsal transposition of the nerve along with neurolysis is more recommended than neurolysis alone. Surgeons should be more careful with minimally invasive deep transverse intermetatarsal ligament release and metatarsal shortening osteotomy as their effectiveness remains inconclusive. Finally, we strongly recommend performing intramuscular embedding or intermuscular transposition of the nerve cutting end if neurectomy or nerve transection is inevitable.Level III, systematic review

Geometric Comparison of Second Metatarsal Shortening Osteotomy Variations Using 3D Printed Patient-Specific Models

Category: Midfoot/Forefoot Introduction/Purpose: Second metatarsal shortening osteotomy is frequently used in the treatment of metatarsalgia and aims to decrease metatarsophalangeal joint and plantar pressures. Although various proximal, midshaft, and distal metatarsal osteotomy methods have been described for surgical treatment of metatarsalgia, to our knowledge no studies quantitatively compared their resulting geometric corrections. The purpose of our study was to investigate how much each osteotomy variation changed the length of the metatarsal as well as the height and relative location of the metatarsal head (MH) itself. Methods: Following Institutional Review Board approval, three-dimensional computer models of second metatarsals of 5 deidentified clinic patients were extracted from CT scans using Mimics software. Fixed points were plotted on the printed models and a 3D coordinate digitizing arm (Microscribe) was used for precisely determining the 3D (x-y-z) coordinates of each point before and after the osteotomies. Six variations of second metatarsal osteotomies were performed using microsagittal saw and fixed using a 2.4 mm cannulated screw. The following osteotomy variations were performed with 3 and 5 mm translation or wedge resection for each patient model: (1) Classic Weil osteotomy performed at 15° and 25° to the plantar surface; (2) Classic Weil osteotomy performed at 15° and 25° using a double saw blade technique; (3) Classic Weil osteotomy performed at 25° and then a parallel block of 3 or 5 mm was removed; (4) Distal closing wedge osteotomy of the MH at 25°; (5) Proximal closing wedge osteotomy of the MH made at 45° removing a 3 and 5 mm wedge; (6) 45 degree oblique, midshaft, metatarsal osteotomy with 3 and 5 mm of translation. The change in the length of the metatarsal, and vertical and medio-lateral translation of the metatarsal head was calculated then normalized by the osteotomy translation distance. A general linear model with correlated errors and Bonferroni correction was used to assess differences between osteotomies. Results: The maximum metatarsal length shortening per millimeter translation was observed in osteotomy 3- 5 mm block (2.6 mm STD=2.1), while osteotomy 1- 15° caused the least (1.1 mm STD=0.6). Maximum dorsiflexion of the MH occurred with osteotomy 5- 5 mm wedge, 13.2 mm (STD= 4.9 mm) and minimum with osteotomy1- 25°, 0.5 mm (STD= 1.4 mm). No MH plantarflexion was noted with any of the osteotomies. The oblique midshaft osteotomies caused lateral translation of the metatarsal head significantly different from the controls (P &lt;0.05) although not statistically different from one another (2.4 mm vs 4.3 mm). Conclusion: Discussion: Our data shows maximal change in length/millimeter translation by performing a classic Weil osteotomy at 25° to the plantar surface of the foot, 5 mm block resection and then translating 4 mm. This osteotomy also caused the most effective dorsal translation of the MH, thereby making it the most effective osteotomy in terms of affecting both length and MH vertical orientation. Should dorsiflexion of the MH be the surgeon’s only goal, then the proximal closing wedge osteotomy had the greatest impact while minimally changing overall length. With this knowledge, surgeons can tailor operations based on the direction and degree of correction needed to be achieved.

Geometric comparison of second metatarsal shortening osteotomy variations using 3D printed models

Geometric comparison of second metatarsal shortening osteotomy variations using 3D printed models

Hallux Varus and Plantar Plate Repair

One of the most frequent problems encountered in foot and ankle are hallux valgus and lesser toes deformities. One of the complications after hallux valgus treatment is a iatrogenic hallux varus. This deformity can be solved at 2 levels, namely the skeletal level, through a metatarsal osteotomy to correct the varus component of the bone and at the soft tissue level, to compensate and rebalance soft tissue tension surrounding the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint. The soft tissue reconstruction may include capsular releases, capsulorraphies, tendon transfers, and augmentations such as nonreabsorbable suture reinforcement of some MTP capsular components. Lesser toe deformities have historically shown moderate to low levels of satisfaction after surgical treatment. Ten years ago the MTP component of lesser toes deformity was solved with some type of metatarsal shortening osteotomy and soft tissue release, specially including dorsal structures over the metatarsal head. Over the last few years’ knowledge from a series of articles have shown the importance in recognizing and repairing the MTP plate to regain stability and alignment at the joint. Different alternatives of repair exist at this level, and some of them are discussed in this article. Level of Evidence: Diagnostic Level 5. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Multiplanar Correction of the Lesser Digital Deviation and Indirect Plantar Plate Rupture Repair Using a Braided Polyethylene Nylon Suture: A Technique Guide.

Level V: Expert opinion.

Association of Abnormal Metatarsal Parabola With Second Metatarsophalangeal Joint Plantar Plate Pathology.

Plantar plate pathology is common, yet it is unclear whether, and to what extent, the length of the second metatarsal contributes to this problem. We conducted a retrospective case-control (1:2) study to examine radiographic risk factors for plantar plate tears. One hundred patients (age 55.7 ± 12.3 years) with plantar plate injuries and 200 healthy controls (age 56.3 ± 11.3 years) were included. Cases were defined as patients with nonacute, isolated, plantar plate pathology of the second metatarsophalangeal joint confirmed by intraoperative inspection at a single foot and ankle specialty practice from June 1, 2007, to January 31, 2014. Patients presenting for pain outside of the forefoot served as the control group. Controls were matched on age (±2 years), gender, and year of presentation. Weight-bearing foot x-rays were assessed for several predetermined angular relationships by a single rater. Conditional logistic regression was used to identify risk factors for plantar plate injury. A long second metatarsal, defined as a metatarsal protrusion index less than -4 mm, was the only significant risk factor for plantar plate pathology in both the univariate and multivariable analyses (multivariate odds ratio 2.5 [95% confidence interval 1.8 to 3.3], P = .002). We found that a long second metatarsal was a risk factor for developing second metatarsophalangeal joint plantar plate tears. This knowledge may aid foot and ankle surgeons when contemplating the need for second metatarsal shortening osteotomies (eg, Weil osteotomy) during plantar plate surgery and when deciding on the amount of shortening for second metatarsal osteotomies. Level III, retrospective comparative study.

Role of a Limited Transarticular Release in Severe Hallux Valgus Correction

Hallux valgus (HV) treatment is continuously evolving, and no definitive treatment can be recommended. Osteotomies are the main surgical choice for these deformities, but no clear role for soft tissue procedures is available. To perform a retrospective comparison of the radiographic and clinical outcomes of 2 groups of patients with severe HV operated with the same osteotomy technique but differing on the type of lateral release. Two groups of patients with symptomatic moderate to severe HV deformities were operated with the same proximal metatarsal osteotomy, which differed on the type of lateral release: group 1 had limited transarticular lateral capsule release (n = 62), and group 2 complete lateral release, including capsule, adductor tendon, and intermetatarsal (IM) ligament (n = 57). We recorded the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) score, HV and IM angles, first metatarsal shortening, concomitant metatarsal shortening osteotomies (Weil), Akin osteotomies, and complications. The postoperative AOFAS score in group 1 was similar to that of group 2. The HV and IM angles improved in both groups with no significant difference. The multivariate analysis showed no influence of any variable analyzed on HV or IM angle improvement. Regarding AOFAS score improvement, a limited lateral release was associated with a higher increase in AOFAS score (P = .019). No studies are available to identify which soft tissue structures are involved in HV deformities nor which have to be released, if any. A limited transarticular release can provide similar clinical and radiologic outcomes when compared with a classic open lateral release. Level IV, case series.

Metatarsal Shortening Osteotomy for Decompression of Morton’s Neuroma

Among the various operative treatments of Morton's neuroma, deep transverse metatarsal ligament (DTML) release has been performed for decompression of neuroma. However, the main lesion of Morton's neuroma is located between the metatarsal head and the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint and more distal than the DTML. Hence we performed the metatarsal shortening osteotomy along with DTML release for decompression of neuroma, and investigated the clinical outcomes of it and compared the outcomes with those of DTML release alone. We retrospectively reviewed 84 consecutive patients (86 neuromas) who underwent surgery for a Morton's neuroma between February 2008 and March 2011. The first 46 neuroma (group A) were treated with DTML release alone, and the next 40 neuroma (group B) underwent the metatarsal shortening osteotomy with DTML release. Clinical outcomes were compared between the groups and the associations between clinical outcomes and neuroma size were assessed. Clinical outcomes were significantly improved after surgery in both groups but there were significant differences in clinical outcomes between the 2 groups at final follow-up. There were significant correlations between neuroma size and outcomes in group A, whereas no significant correlations were found between neuroma size and outcomes in group B. The metatarsal shortening osteotomy with DTML release resulted in better outcomes compared with DTML release alone in patients with Morton's neuromas. Level III, retrospective comparative series.

Operative Correction of Arch Collapse with Forefoot Deformity: A Retrospective Analysis of Outcomes

There are many forefoot deformities, including hallux valgus, forefoot overload, and hammertoe that are treated as unrelated problems with multiple different techniques. Currently, there has been renewed interest in the role of a gastrocnemius contracture on foot deformities. Our objective was to review a specific surgical treatment plan for forefoot deformities classified by us as Type 2 arch collapse and evaluate the outcomes. We retrospectively reviewed the charts of 374 patients who underwent foot procedures to treat deformity classified as a Type 2 arch collapse. Data was collected regarding complications and need for secondary surgery. A phone survey was performed to assess patient satisfaction, pain level, and Foot Function Index (FFI) scores. Of the 374 patients (412 feet), there was a 96% (357 of 371 feet) union rate at the first tarsometatarsal joint and 98% (227 of 232 feet) union rate at metatarsal shortening osteotomy sites. Recurrence of hallux valgus was 2.7% (7 of 256 feet), while hallux varus occurred in 1.6% (4 of 256 feet). There were 292 patients (78%) available for phone interview. Of those patients, 88% were satisfied with the results of the procedure. The subset of procedures relating to the highest mean FFI was hammertoe correction (22.2) and the highest mean pain score was related to metatarsal shortening osteotomy (2.6). Utilizing the arch collapse model, operative treatment of forefoot deformities with a combination of procedures including gastrocnemius recession, first TMT fusion, modified McBride, hammertoe correction, and metatarsal shortening osteotomy can produce good satisfaction rates with low complication rates.

The use of ultrasound to determine the cause of persistent pain following a metatarsal shortening osteotomy

A 36-year-old lady underwent a shortening osteotomy with plate fixation of the second metatarsal to relieve long-standing pain on weightbearing. Preoperative assessment included foot pressure studies which clearly demonstrated abnormal high pressures under the second metatarsal head. Postoperatively, symptoms persisted despite a normal foot pressure recording and clinical assessment. Visualization of the second metatarsal head on load bearing using a recently developed ultrasound technique revealed the cause of symptoms; plate removal gave complete resolution of pain.