Introduction and purpose: Many techniques for the treatment of metatarsalgia have been described. Weil’s osteotomy causes loss of movement of the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint. Some authors associate this deficiency with a hypertrophic soft tissue scar on the dorsal part of the MTP joint. The purpose of this study is to assess the results of distal osteotomy of the small metatarsals carried out by means of a mini-invasive (MIS) technique.

Materials and methods: We retrospectively reviewed 43 feet, 111 osteotomies performed between 2002 and 2006. The mean age of the patients was 51.8 years. In 45.45% of cases there were associated hallux pathological conditions and in 57.5% there were alterations of the smaller toes. Patients underwent clinical and functional assessment. Radiologically it was possible to determine the metatarsal formula, the rate of consolidation and metatarsal shortening.

Results: The follow-up period was 15 months. From the functional and cosmetic point of view 97% of the patients considered their results were excellent or good. Radiologically there was an average shortening of 2.88 mm; in 20% of cases there was a change to a more physiological metatarsal formula and union was achieved in all cases without significant delays. Complications seen: one case of cellulitis and 3 transfer metatarsalgias.

Conclusions: MIS seems an appropriate surgical technique for the treatment of metatarsalgias of the smaller toes associated or not with forefoot surgery. Good clinical and cosmetic outcomes are seen in more than 95% of cases.

Introduction and purpose: Distal radius fractures often affect the joint surface; their reduction is difficult and may be incomplete. In these cases the use of an arthroscope may help reconstruct the joint surface of the radius and allow the diagnosis of ligament injuries. The purpose of this study is to analyze the results of this type of fractures by means of this technique.

Materials and methods: Between November 2001 and January 2007 we reduced 24 fractures of the distal extremity of the radius that involved the joint surface with arthroscopic control. The mean age of the patients was 36 years (range: 21–55). We used Barbieri and Geissler’s classification. We recorded the approach route, arthroscopic ports, ligament injuries observed and complications. Also both radiological and functional results were assessed.

Results: In 18 of the 24 patients some sort of ligamentous or osteochondral lesion was found (lunate-pisiform ligament, scaphoid-lunate ligament or triangular cartilage). All achieved union after a mean period of 8 weeks. By means of x-rays we measured a mean intraarticular step-off of 0.29 mm and a mean interfragment distance of 0.5 mm. Joint balance and force were normal at the end of rehabilitation in 22 out of 24 cases.

Conclusion: The use of arthroscopy in intraarticular fractures of the distal extremity of the radius is a technique that helps achieve a more accurate reduction of the joint surface and allows the repair of lesions which would have been overlooked during traditional surgery without decreasing union rate or functional results.