Lengthening of short great toes by callus distraction.

Abstract

We lengthened seven first metatarsals in four patients with short great toes by callus distraction using an external fixator. Good clinical and cosmetic results were obtained. Bone lengthening is effective in patients with short great toes not only for cosmesis, but also to relieve pain and callosities on the plantar aspect of the second and third metatarsal heads. Excessive lengthening of the first metatarsal resulted in limitation of the range of movement of the metatarsophalangeal joint of the great toe. To prevent this the amount of lengthening should not exceed 40% of the preoperative length of the metatarsal.

• Authors: Y Takakura, Y Tanaka, T Fujii, S Tamai
• Journal: The Journal of bone and joint surgery. British volume (J Bone Joint Surg Br) Vol. 79 Issue 6 Pg. 955-8 (Nov 1997) ISSN: 0301-620X [Print] England
• PMID: 9393911 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Topics

• Adult
• Callosities (prevention & control)
• Crutches
• Esthetics
• Exostoses (surgery)
• External Fixators
• Female
• Follow-Up Studies
• Hallux (abnormalities, pathology, surgery)
• Hallux Valgus (surgery)
• Humans
• Joint Capsule (surgery)
• Metatarsal Bones (abnormalities, pathology, surgery)
• Metatarsophalangeal Joint (physiopathology)
• Osteogenesis, Distraction (instrumentation, methods)
• Pain (prevention & control)
• Range of Motion, Articular
• Toes (abnormalities, pathology, surgery)
• Weight-Bearing