Die Weil-Osteotomie bei Metatarsalgie

Influence of the Length Ratio Between Second and Third Metatarsals After Modified Weil Osteotomy on Clinical Outcomes

Metatarsalgia is a frequent foot disorder. The objective was to evaluate whether the length ratio between the second and the third metatarsals after Weil osteotomy influences clinical outcomes. This retrospective study included 37 patients (53 feet). Preoperative planning consisted of keeping the second metatarsal greater than or equal to the third metatarsal after Weil osteotomy of the second metatarsal or the second and third metatarsals. Based on postoperative weightbearing and digital AP radiographs after Weil osteotomy, we divided the patients into 2 groups: group 1, the second metatarsal was longer than or equal to the third metatarsal; and group 2, the second metatarsal was shorter than the third metatarsal. We investigated whether there were differences between the groups. In 35 (66%) feet, the second metatarsal was longer than or equal to the third metatarsal (group 1), and in 18 (34%) feet, the second metatarsal was shorter than the third metatarsal (group 2). Postoperative American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society scores were 86.2 and 82.7, respectively (p = .32). Postoperative Visual Analog Scale scores were 1.26 and 1.67, respectively (p = .39). The sample showed 11.3% of transfer metatarsalgia to the third metatarsal. Group 1 had 9% of transfer metatarsalgia, whereas group 2 had 17% of transfer metatarsalgia (p = .40). The presence of a second metatarsal shorter than the third metatarsal, after Weil osteotomy of the second metatarsal or the second and third metatarsals, does not influence outcomes or incidence of transfer metatarsalgia to the third metatarsal.

Postoperative Findings of Common Foot and Ankle Surgeries: An Imaging Review

Foot and ankle surgery is increasingly prevalent. Knowledge of the mechanisms underlying common foot and ankle deformities is useful in understanding surgical procedures used to restore normal biomechanics. As surgical techniques evolve, it is important for the radiologist to be familiar with these procedures, their expected postoperative appearance, and potential complications. This article reviews the key imaging findings of a variety of common and important foot and ankle surgical procedures.

Treatment of Metatarsalgia with Distal Osteotomies

Many different distal metatarsal osteotomies have been described in the surgical treatment of metatarsalgia. The surgeon should use such osteotomies judiciously, and indeed, in the author's experience, they are infrequently required and are certainly not a first port of call. In cases where nonoperative treatments have failed, a thorough understanding of the causes of metatarsalgia and a detailed clinical assessment of the patient are essential if good surgical outcomes are to be achieved. If using distal metatarsal osteotomies as part of the surgical plan, then the author favors extra-articular percutaneous osteotomies to minimize postoperative stiffness.

Minimally Invasive Forefoot Surgery in France

Study groups have been formed in France to advance the use of minimally invasive surgery. These techniques are becoming more frequently used and the technique nuances are continuing to evolve. The objective of this article was to advance the awareness of the current trends in minimally invasive surgery for common diseases of the forefoot. The percutaneous surgery at the forefoot is less developed at this time, but also will be discussed.

Metatarsalgia: distal metatarsal osteotomies

Metatarsalgia is a common pathologic entity. It refers to pain at the MTP joints. Pain in the foot unrelated to the MTP joints (such as Morton’s neuroma) must be distinguished from those disorders, which lead to abnormal pressure distribution, reactive calluses, and pain. Initial treatment options for metatarsalgia include modifications of shoe wear, metatarsal pads, and custom-made orthoses. If conservative treatment fails, operative reconstructive procedures in terms of metatarsal osteotomies should be considered. Lesser metatarsal osteotomy is an effective and well-accepted method for the management of metatarsalgia. The main purpose of these osteotomies is to decrease prominence of the symptomatic metatarsal head. The distal metatarsal oblique osteotomy (Weil osteotomy) with its modification represents the best evaluated distal metatarsal osteotomy in terms of outcome studies and biomechanical analysis. The role of the Weil osteotomy in metatarsalgia owing to a subluxed or dislocated MTP joint is to bring the metatarsal head proximal to the callus and to provide axial decompression of the toe to correct the deformity contributing to metatarsalgia.

Metatarsalgia

Metatarsalgia (ie, metatarsal pain) is one of the most common reports in patients with foot problems. This pain is confined to the area across the plantar forefoot, including the second through fourth metatarsal heads. However, it is frequently accompanied by deformity of the first and fifth rays as well as of the toes. There is great variability in possible causative factors, but all of them seem to be related to gait mechanics, foot anatomy, and foot and ankle deformity. An individualized treatment protocol is required. Nonsurgical management is usually sufficient to achieve satisfactory results. Surgical correction must be precise, and all pain-producing deformities must be corrected. Most patients present with abnormalities of the distal metatarsals. Metatarsal osteotomy, long a staple of treatment, always fails in the long term. Improved equipment and internal fixation methods may lead to better long-term outcomes.

Sliding oblique versus segmental resection osteotomies for lesser metatarsophalangeal joint pathology

BACKGROUND

Oblique shortening osteotomy (Weil) can address lesser MP pathology but can have a high rate of complications. The purpose of this study was to review the results of a modification of the Weil osteotomy, the segmental resection metatarsal osteotomy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Between 2004 and 2006, 48 patients underwent the segmental resection osteotomy with a mean followup of 13 (range, 6 to 26) months. All the patients were evaluated with the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) forefoot score and a questionnaire addressing distances they were able to walk, work limitations, sporting activity, and overall satisfaction.

RESULTS

The postoperative AOFAS forefoot score was an average of 87.6 (range, 59 to 100; SD, 10.97) and the overall satisfaction rate was 85.4%. The complication rate was 18.8% for transfer metatarsalgia, 27.1% for floating toes, 35.4% for toe weakness, 14.6% for infection, and 10.4% for wound healing problems.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite the complications, the patients who underwent segmental osteotomy were satisfied with the outcome for lesser MTP joint pain and deformity. This is a preliminary study with significant refinement of the operative method as detailed in the surgical technique section. Further followup will elucidate whether additional changes are necessary in the surgical technique.

The Weil osteotomy

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.