METATARSAL LENGTHENING
Brachymetatarsia is a condition where the metatarsal bone or bones are shorter in length than their counterparts. This results in a shorter bone, and often affects the position of the toe and function of the foot.
Lengthening of the metatarsal bones can be performed by two means.
- By adding bone graft in the short metatarsal and securing the bone block with Internal fixation. – this is a less precise method, and based on the current literature, offers less precise correction and greater incidence of complications.
- By placing an external fixator on the short metatarsal, performing an osteotomy in the metaphyseal area and distracting the area 1mm a day. Once the desired length is obtained, the fixator will stay in place for generally twice the amount of the distraction time.
