A review is presented of 508 feet in 310 patients after telescoping osteotomy of the lesser metatarsals for metatarsalgia. The patients were predominantly female (80%), with a mean age of 55 years; the range of follow-up was 1 to 12 years. In 22% of the patients the metatarsalgia was associated with rheumatoid arthritis. Improvements in assessment and modifications in technique are reported and the management of complications is discussed. The results show that telescoping osteotomy for established cases of pressure metatarsalgia is a simple and reliable operation. Permanent relief of symptoms can be expected in over 80% of patients

1. A series of cases of Morton's metatarsalgia is reported in which twenty-seven selected patients have had thirty-five operations on the sole of the foot. 2. At operation, degeneration of the plantar digital artery to the cleft between the third and fourth toes has now been found to precede the fibrous thickening of the nerve described by Betts in 1940. Similar changes rarely occur in neighbouring clefts. 3. Local resection of the nerve almost always gives complete relief from pain, and the plantar scar gives rise to no trouble. 4. Histological findings show that the nerve lesion is ischaemic in nature. 5. Acute pain arising as a new event in cases of the deformity of "anterior flat foot" may prove to be due to this condition. 6. Morton's metatarsalgia is a distinct clinical and pathological entity which can best be described as a plantar digital neuritis

In an attempt to improve the accuracy of diagnosis, 16 patients suffering from Morton's metatarsalgia were investigated clinically and electrophysiologically. The histological findings were related to these observations. The precise aetiology of Morton's metatarsalgia remains obscure, but the findings are compatible with an entrapment syndrome. Nerve conduction studies have a place in the investigation of patients with atypical presentation of pain in the foot. Further refinement of the electrophysiological technique should be possible

An oblique osteotomy in the distal half of the metatarsal shaft is described for the treatment of metatarsalgia due to prolapse of one or more of the middle three metatarsal heads. Thirty-eight patients who have had this operation have been followed up for a period of from two to five years. The operation is simple, recovery is rapid and symptoms have been well relieved

1. Arthrodesis of the first metatarso-phalangeal joint combined with excision of those lesser metatarsal heads with fixed subluxation and painful callosities is an excellent treatment for painful hallux valgus with metatarsalgia. 2. A series of thirty feet in twenty-five patients is reported in which this combined operation was done

1. A clinical test of diagnostic significance in Morton's metatarsalgia is described. 2. Findings at operation in twelve cases are recorded. 3. The causation of the digital neuroma is discussed

The intermetatarsophalangeal bursa was investigated by dissection, radiography and injection. In the web spaces between the second and third and the third and fourth digits the bursa lies superior to the transverse metatarsal ligament but projects distally to it, closely applied to the neurovascular bundle. Tissue from the web spaces of patients with classical Morton's metatarsalgia often shows lymphocytic infiltration, with additional fibrinoid necrosis of the bursal wall. It is suggested that inflammatory changes in this bursa could account for the pathological and histological findings in this condition. The bursa in the most lateral web space does not extend beyond the ligament and is not in contact with the neurovascular bundle, which may explain the rarity of symptoms in this space

1. Léri's pleonosteosis is characterised by broadening and deformity of the thumbs and great toes, flexion contracture of the interphalangeal joints, limited movement of other joints, and often a Mongoloid facies. Four such cases are described. 2. A review of the twenty reports in the literature, and the cases now described, shows that the deformities are due to capsular contracture rather than deformity of bone. 3. In one patient there was striking evidence of fibro-cartilaginous thickening of the anterior carpal ligaments. It is suggested that the primary pathological change in pleonosteosis may be in the joint capsules rather than in the epiphyses. 4. The patient with thickening of the anterior carpal ligaments had bilateral median palsy from carpal tunnel compression. 5. The causes of carpal tunnel compression of the median nerve are reviewed. Acute compression may be due not only to dislocation of the semilunar bone but to haemorrhage in the palm. Late compression by bone may occur twenty to fifty years after injury. Late compression without bone abnormality has been attributed to occupational stress, but it is suggested that pathological thickening of the anterior carpal ligament may be the cause. 6. The patient with pleonosteosis and bilateral median palsy had also bilateral Morton's metatarsalgia with large digital neuromata. 7. Plantar digital neuritis has already been shown to be an ischaemic nerve lesion preceded by degenerative changes in the digital artery. The significance of the fibrous tunnel through which the artery passes to reach the digital cleft is considered

Metatarsalgia is a recognised complication following iatrogenic shortening of the first metatarsal in the management of hallux valgus. The traditional surgical treatment is by shortening osteotomies of the lesser metatarsals. We describe the results of lengthening of iatrogenic first brachymetatarsia in 16 females. A Scarf-type osteotomy was used in the first four cases and a step-cut of equal thicknesses along the axis of the first metatarsal was performed in the others. The mean follow-up was 21 months (19 to 26). Relief of metatarsalgia was obtained in the six patients in whom 10 mm of lengthening had been achieved, compared to only 50% relief in those where less than 8 mm of lengthening had been gained. One-stage step-cut lengthening osteotomy of the first metatarsal may be preferable to shortening osteotomies of the lesser metatarsals in the treatment of metatarsalgia following surgical shortening of the first metatarsal

Aims. Arthroplasty for end-stage hallux rigidus (HR) is controversial. Arthrodesis remains the gold standard for surgical treatment, although is not without its complications, with rates of up to 10% for nonunion, 14% for reoperation and 10% for metatarsalgia. The aim of this study was to analyze the outcome of a double-stemmed silastic implant (Wright-Medical, Memphis, Tennessee, USA) for patients with end-stage HR. Methods. We conducted a retrospective review of 108 consecutive implants in 76 patients, between January 2005 and December 2016, with a minimum follow-up of two years. The mean age of the patients at the time of surgery was 61.6 years (42 to 84). There were 104 females and four males. Clinical, radiological, patient reported outcome measures (PROMS) data, a visual analogue score (VAS) for pain, and satisfaction scores were collected. Results. The survivorship at a mean follow-up of 5.3 years (2.1 to 14.1) was 97.2%. The mean Manchester Oxford Foot and Ankle Questionnaire (MOXFQ) scores improved from 78.1 to 11.0, and VAS scores for pain from 7/10 to 1.3/10. The rate of satisfaction was 90.6%. Three implants (2.8%) required revision; one for infection, one-month postoperatively, and two for stem breakage at 10.4 and 13.3 years postoperatively. There was a 1.9% reoperation rate other than revision, 23.1% of patients developed a minor complication, and 21.1% of patients had non-progressive and asymptomatic cysts on radiological review. Conclusion. We report a 97.2% survivorship at a mean follow-up of 5.3 years with this implant. We did not find progressive osteolysis, as has been previously reported. These results suggest that this double-stemmed silastic implant provides a predictable and reliable alternative with comparable outcomes to arthrodesis for the treatment of end-stage HR. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(2):220–226

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

The June 2024 Foot & Ankle Roundup³⁶⁰ looks at: First MTPJ fusion in young versus old patients; Minimally invasive calcaneum Zadek osteotomy and the effect of sequential burr passes; Comparison between Achilles tendon reinsertion and dorsal closing wedge calcaneal osteotomy for the treatment of insertional Achilles tendinopathy; Revision ankle arthroplasty – is it worthwhile?; Tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis or below-knee amputation – salvage or sacrifice?; Fusion or replacement for hallux rigidus?.

Aims

The Manchester-Oxford Foot Questionnaire (MOxFQ) is an anatomically specific patient-reported outcome measure (PROM) currently used to assess a wide variety of foot and ankle pathology. It consists of 16 items across three subscales measuring distinct but related traits: walking/standing ability, pain, and social interaction. It is the most used foot and ankle PROM in the UK. Initial MOxFQ validation involved analysis of 100 individuals undergoing hallux valgus surgery. This project aimed to establish whether an individual’s response to the MOxFQ varies with anatomical region of disease (measurement invariance), and to explore structural validity of the factor structure (subscale items) of the MOxFQ.

Aims

The purpose of this study is to examine the adductus impact on the second metatarsal by the nonosteotomy nonarthrodesis syndesmosis procedure for the hallux valgus deformity correction, and how it would affect the mechanical function of the forefoot in walking. For correcting the metatarsus primus varus deformity of hallux valgus feet, the syndesmosis procedure binds first metatarsal to the second metatarsal with intermetatarsal cerclage sutures.

Eighty-seven feet have been reviewed after arthrodesis of the first metatarsophalangeal joint stabilised by chromic catgut. Radiological union was present in 90% of patients at the mean review time of six years. Twenty-four patients had significant metatarsalgia before operation and only two failed to improve afterwards. Excellent or good subjective results were reported in 94% of patients at review. Chromic catgut is advocated as a simple and effective method of stabilising an arthrodesis of the first metatarsophalangeal joint

We report a prospective randomised trial comparing Keller's arthroplasty and arthrodesis of the first metatarsophalangeal joint for the management of symptomatic hallux valgus and hallux rigidus in the older patient. In 81 patients (110 feet), with a minimum of two years follow-up, both procedures gave a similar degree of patient satisfaction and symptom relief. The incidence of metatarsalgia was also similar. As there were no obvious advantages to arthrodesis, and since six out of 50 arthrodesed toes required revision, we suggest that Keller's arthroplasty is the better operation in these patients

We compared the chevron and the Wilson metatarsal osteotomy for hallux valgus in a prospective randomised trial on 87 feet in 51 patients, reviewed at averages of 5.5 and 38 months after operation. The patients in the chevron group returned to work earlier and mobilised faster, but, at the later review, those in the Wilson group had better functional results and were more satisfied with the appearance of the foot. Correction of the hallux valgus angle was better maintained in patients in the Wilson group and they had a better range of motion at the metatarsophalangeal joint; fewer complained of metatarsalgia

Congenital or acquired shortness of a metatarsal may cause pain in adjacent metatarsals. From 1983 to 1990, we performed nine metatarsal lengthenings in seven adolescent patients by metaphyseal osteotomy followed by gradual distraction of callus (callotasis). Two patients required bone grafts after the lengthening. We used a rigid, unilateral external fixator designed for use in the hand and foot. At follow-up, from three to ten years later, healing had been achieved in all with an average healing index of 50 days/cm, and metatarsalgia had been relieved by the restoration of correct metatarsal length

We performed distal chevron osteotomy of the second, third, or fourth metatarsal for painful plantar callosities in 19 non-rheumatoid patients (16 women, 3 men; 21 feet); their mean age was 59 years (32 to 85). The mean follow-up was four years (2 to 7). The overall results were good in 16 feet, fair in two, and poor in three, with four patients still having painful plantar callosities. There was union in all feet, but transfer metatarsalgia developed in three and three required an orthosis. Distal chevron osteotomy for intractable plantar callosities was successful both clinically and radiologically in most patients

One hundred and seventy feet have been reviewed after operations for hallux valgus; eighty-five had had arthrodesis of the first metatarso-phalangeal joint and eighty-five had had Keller's operation. Footprints were made in order to assess the patterns of weight-bearing on the big toe and on the lesser metatarsal heads. After arthrodesis the big toe bore weight in 80 per cent compared with 40 per cent after Keller's operation. The ability to bear weight on the big toe is related to the presence of metatarsalgia and excessive weight bearing on the lesser metatarsal heads. These complications were seen more commonly after Keller's operation (particularly when more than one-third of the phalanx had been excised) than after arthrodesis

1. Correction of hallux valgus by spike osteotomy of the neck of the first metatarsal is described, and the results in eighty-two feet are presented. 2. A high proportion of satisfactory results can be obtained, but great care is needed in both selection and technique. 3. The ideal case is one of moderate deformity, without degenerative arthritis, and with symptoms referable to increased width of the forefoot; the operation should not be performed in cases with obvious degenerative change, nor when metatarsalgia is a prominent symptom. 4. It is important to displace the metatarsal head as far laterally as possible, and vital to avoid dorsal angulation or displacement. 5. It is suggested that enough is now known about the natural evolution of hallux valgus and the results of some operations for prophylactic surgery to be undertaken in carefully selected cases

We carried out a cross-sectional study in 51 patients (81 feet) with a clawed hallux in association with a cavus foot after a modified Robert Jones tendon transfer. The mean follow-up was 42 months (9 to 88). In all feet, concomitant procedures had been undertaken, such as extension osteotomy of the first metatarsal and transfer of the tendon of the peroneus longus to peroneus brevis, to correct the underlying foot deformity. All patients were evaluated clinically and radiologically. The overall rate of patient satisfaction was 86%. The deformity of the hallux was corrected in 80 feet. Catching of the big toe when walking barefoot, transfer lesions and metatarsalgia, hallux flexus, hallux limitus and asymptomatic nonunion of the interphalangeal joint were the most frequent complications. Hallux limitus was more likely when elevation of the first ray occurred (p = 0.012). Additional transfer of the tendon of peroneus longus to peroneus brevis was a significant risk factor for elevation of the first metatarsal (p < 0.0001). The deforming force of extensor hallucis longus is effectively eliminated by the Jones transfer, but the mechanics of the first metatarsophalangeal joint are altered. The muscle balance and stability of the entire first ray should be taken into consideration in the management of clawed hallux

Aims

The mainstay of surgical correction of hallux valgus is first metatarsal osteotomy, either proximally or distally. We present a technique of combining a distal chevron osteotomy with a proximal opening wedge osteotomy, for the correction of moderate to severe hallux valgus.

Aims

The purpose of this study was to analyse the biomechanics of walking, through the ground reaction forces (GRF) measured, after first metatarsal osteotomy or metatarsophalangeal joint (MTP) arthrodesis.

The purpose of this study was to compare the results of proximal and distal chevron osteotomy in patients with moderate hallux valgus.

We retrospectively reviewed 34 proximal chevron osteotomies without lateral release (PCO group) and 33 distal chevron osteotomies (DCO group) performed sequentially by a single surgeon. There were no differences between the groups with regard to age, length of follow-up, demographic or radiological parameters. The clinical results were assessed using the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) scoring system and the radiological results were compared between the groups.

At a mean follow-up of 14.6 months (14 to 32) there were no significant differences in the mean AOFAS scores between the DCO and PCO groups (93.9 (82 to 100) and 91.8 (77 to 100), respectively; p = 0.176). The mean hallux valgus angle, intermetatarsal angle and sesamoid position were the same in both groups. The metatarsal declination angle decreased significantly in the PCO group (p = 0.005) and the mean shortening of the first metatarsal was significantly greater in the DCO group (p < 0.001).

We conclude that the clinical and radiological outcome after a DCO is comparable with that after a PCO; longer follow-up would be needed to assess the risk of avascular necrosis.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B:649–56.

Aims

Gastrocnemius tightness predisposes to musculoskeletal pathology and may require surgical treatment. However, it is not clear what proportion of patients with foot and ankle pathology have clinically significant gastrocnemius tightness. The aim of this study was to compare the prevalence and degree of gastrocnemius tightness in a control group of patients with a group of patients with foot and ankle pathology.

There are few reports of the surgical treatment for late stage Freiburg’s disease with flattening of the metatarsal head and osteoarthritis. We describe the results of the surgical treatment of ten consecutive patients with advanced stage Freiburg’s disease (Smillie’s stage V), using a technique that has not been published previously.

In a prospective randomised study 31 patients were allocated to either arthrodesis or Mayo resection of the first metatarsophalangeal joint as part of a total reconstruction of the rheumatoid forefoot. Of these, 29 were re-examined after a mean of 72 months (57 to 80), the Foot Function Index was scored and any deformity measured. Load distribution was analysed using a Fscan mat in 14 cases, and time and distance were measured in 12 of these patients using a 3D Motion system. We found excellent patient satisfaction and a significant, lasting reduction of the Foot Function Index, with no statistically significant differences between the groups. There were no significant differences in recurrence of the deformity, the need for special shoes, gait velocity, step length, plantar moment, mean pressure or the position of the centre of force under the forefoot. The cadence was higher and the stance phase shorter in the fusion group.

These results suggest that a Mayo resection may be an equally good option for managing the first metatarsophalangeal joint in reconstruction of the rheumatoid forefoot.

The August 2012 Foot & Ankle Roundup³⁶⁰ looks at: calcaneocuboid distraction arthrodesis with allograft for acquired flatfoot; direct repair of the plantar plate; thromboembolism after fixation of the fractured ankle; weight loss after ankle surgery; Haglund’s syndrome and three-portal endoscopic surgery; Keller’s procedure; arthroscopy of the first MTPJ; and Doppler spectra in Charcot arthropathy.

Aims

This is the first prospective study to report the pre- and post-operative patient reported outcomes and satisfaction scores following excision of interdigital Morton’s neuroma.

We reviewed the outcome of distal chevron metatarsal osteotomy without tendon transfer in 19 consecutive patients (19 feet) with a hallux varus deformity following surgery for hallux valgus. All patients underwent distal chevron metatarsal osteotomy with medial displacement and a medial closing wedge osteotomy along with a medial capsular release.

The mean hallux valgus angle improved from −11.6° pre-operatively to 4.7° postoperatively, the mean first-second intermetatarsal angle improved from −0.3° to 3.3° and the distal metatarsal articular angle from 9.5° to 2.3° and the first metatarsophalangeal joints became congruent post-operatively in all 19 feet. The mean relative length ratio of the metatarsus decreased from 1.01 to 0.99 and the mean American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society score improved from 77 to 95 points.

In two patients the hallux varus recurred. One was symptom-free but the other remained symptomatic after a repeat distal chevron osteotomy. There were no other complications.

We consider that distal chevron metatarsal osteotomy with a medial wedge osteotomy and medial capsular release is a useful procedure for the correction of hallux varus after surgery for hallux valgus.

As it remains unproven that hypermobility of the first tarsometatarsal joint (TMTJ-1) is a significant factor in hallux valgus deformity, the necessity for including arthrodesis of TMTJ-1 as part of a surgical correction of a hallux valgus is questionable. In order to evaluate the role of this arthrodesis on the long-term outcome of hallux valgus surgery, a prospective, blinded, randomised study with long-term follow-up was performed, comparing the Lapidus procedure (which includes such an arthrodesis) with a simple Hohmann distal closing wedge metatarsal osteotomy. The study cohort comprised 101 feet in 87 patients: 50 feet were treated with a Hohmann procedure and 51 with a Lapidus procedure. Hypermobility of TMTJ-1 was assessed pre-operatively by clinical examination. After a mean of 9.25 years (7.25 to 11.42), 91 feet in 77 patients were available for follow-up. There was no difference in clinical or radiological outcome between the two procedures. Also, there was no difference in outcome between the two procedures in the subgroup clinically assessed as hypermobile. This study does not support the theory that a hallux valgus deformity in a patient with a clinically assessed hypermobile TMTJ-1 joint requires fusion of the first tarso-metatarsal joint.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B:1222–6.

The April 2015 Foot & Ankle Roundup³⁶⁰ looks at: Plantar pressures linked to radiographs; Strength training for ankle instability?; Is weight loss good for your feet?; Diabetes and foot surgery complications; Tantalum for failed ankle arthroplasty?; Steroids, costs and Morton’s neuroma; Ankle arthritis and subtalar joint

The February 2015 Foot & Ankle Roundup³⁶⁰ looks at: Syndesmosis screw removal in randomised controlled trial; Diagnostic value of Hawkins sign; Chevron rules supreme?; Diabetes and ankle replacement; Fixed-bearing ankle replacement; Fusion for osteomyelitis of the ankle; ‘Reformed’ fallers.

Metatarsus primus varus deformity correction is one of the main objectives in hallux valgus surgery. A ‘syndesmosis’ procedure may be used to correct hallux valgus. An osteotomy is not involved. The aim is to realign the first metatarsal using soft tissues and a cerclage wire around the necks of the first and second metatarsals.

We have retrospectively assessed 27 patients (54 feet) using the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score, radiographs and measurements of the plantar pressures after bilateral syndesmosis procedures. There were 26 women. The mean age of the patients was 46 years (18 to 70) and the mean follow-up was 26.4 months (24 to 33.4). Matched-pair comparisons of the AOFAS scores, the radiological parameters and the plantar pressure measurements were conducted pre- and post-operatively, with the mean of the left and right feet. The mean AOFAS score improved from 62.8 to 94.4 points (p < 0.001). Significant differences were found on all radiological parameters (p < 0.001). The mean hallux valgus and first intermetatarsal angles were reduced from 33.2° (24.3° to 49.8°) to 19.1° (10.1° to 45.3°) (p < 0.001) and from 15.0° (10.2° to 18.6°) to 7.2° (4.2° to 11.4°) (p < 0.001) respectively. The mean medial sesamoid position changed from 6.3(4.5 to 7) to 3.6 (2 to 7) (p < 0.001) according to the Hardy’s scale (0 to 7). The mean maximum force and the force–time integral under the hallux region were significantly increased by 71.1% (p = 0.001), (20.57 (0.08 to 58.3) to 35.20 (6.63 to 67.48)) and 73.4% (p = 0.014), (4.44 (0.00 to 22.74) to 7.70 (1.28 to 19.23)) respectively. The occurrence of the maximum force under the hallux region was delayed by 11% (p = 0.02), (87.3% stance (36.3% to 100%) to 96.8% stance (93.0% to 100%)). The force data reflected the restoration of the function of the hallux. Three patients suffered a stress fracture of the neck of the second metatarsal. The short-term results of this surgical procedure for the treatment of hallux valgus are satisfactory.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014;96-B:502–7.

Proximal osteotomies for forefoot deformity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis have hitherto not been described. We evaluated combination joint-preserving surgery involving three different proximal osteotomies for such deformities. A total of 30 patients (39 feet) with a mean age of 55.6 years (45 to 67) underwent combined first tarsometatarsal fusion and distal realignment, shortening oblique osteotomies of the bases of the second to fourth metatarsals and a fifth-ray osteotomy.

The mean follow-up was 36 months (24 to 68). The mean foot function index scores for pain, disability and activity subscales were 18, 23, and 16 respectively. The mean Japanese Society for Surgery of the Foot score improved significantly from 52.2 (41 to 68) to 89.6 (78 to 97). Post-operatively, 14 patients had forefoot stiffness, but had no disability. Most patients reported highly satisfactory walking ability. Residual deformity and callosities were absent. The mean hallux valgus and intermetatarsal angles decreased from 47.0° (20° to 67°) to 9.0° (2° to 23°) and from 14.1° (9° to 20°) to 4.6° (1° to 10°), respectively. Four patients had further surgery including removal of hardware in three and a fifth-ray osteotomy in one.

With good peri-operative medical management of rheumatoid arthritis, surgical repositioning of the metatarsophalangeal joint by metatarsal shortening and consequent relaxing of surrounding soft tissues can be successful. In early to intermediate stages of the disease, it can be performed in preference to joint-sacrificing procedures.

We carried out a retrospective study to assess the clinical results of lengthening the fourth metatarsal in brachymetatarsia in 153 feet of 106 patients (100 female, six males) using three different surgical techniques. In one group lengthening was performed by one-stage intercalary bone grafting secured by an intramedullary Kirschner-wire (45 feet, 35 patients). In the second group lengthening was obtained gradually using a mini-external fixator after performing an osteotomy with a saw (59 feet, 39 patients) and in the third group lengthening was achieved in a gradual manner using a mini-external fixator after undertaking an osteotomy using osteotome through pre-drilled holes (49 feet, 32 patients). The mean age of the patients was 26.3 years (13 to 48). Pre-operatively, the fourth ray of the bone-graft group was longer than that of other two groups (p < 0.000). The clinical outcome was compared in the three groups. The mean follow-up was 22 months (7 to 55).

At final follow-up, the mean lengthening in the bone-graft group was 13.9 mm (3.5 to 23.0, 27.1%) which was less than that obtained in the saw group with a mean of 17.8 mm (7.0 to 33.0, 29.9%) and in the pre-drilled osteotome group with a mean of 16.8 mm (6.5 to 28.0, 29.4%, p = 0.001). However, the mean time required for retention of the fixation in the bone-graft group was the shortest of the three groups. Patients were dissatisfied with the result for five feet (11.1%) in the bone-graft group, eight (13.6%) in the saw group and none in the pre-drilled osteotomy group (p < 0.000). The saw group included eight feet with failure of bone formation after surgery. Additional operations were performed in 20 feet because of stiffness (n = 7, all groups), failure of bone formation (n = 4, saw group), skin maceration (n = 4, bone-graft group), malunion (n = 4, bone-graft and saw groups) and breakage of the external fixator (n = 1, saw group).

We conclude that the gradual lengthening by distraction osteogenesis after osteotomy using an osteotome produces the most reliable results for the treatment of fourth brachymetatarsia.