ORIGINAL ARTICLES   

Chirurgia Del Piede 2005 August;29(2):67-72

Copyright © 2005 EDIZIONI MINERVA MEDICA

language: Italian

Metatarsal lengthening with mini external fissator

Pisani P. C., D’Arrigo A.

Aim. Brachymetatarsia is a malformation in which one or more metatarsals is abnormally short; the condition may be traumatic, post-surgical or congenital and in this latter case it becomes gradually more noticeable during growth, especially between the ages of 10 and 15. It is hard to notice at birth. The sex most affected is female. It is easy to diagnose because its clinical appearance is characterised by the shortness of one or more metatarsals (generally the fourth) and the toe tends to dorsalise with retraction of the extensor apparatus.
Methods. From September 93 to January 03 12 patients, 9 female and 3 male, aged between 5 and 42 (average 18) were subjected to metatarsal lengthening with a mini external fixator.
Results. All cases declared they were subjectively satisfied; in 1 case we encountered the non-formation of the regenerated; 1 case presented a slight limitation in dorsiflexion.
Conclusion. Metatarsal lengthening may be indicated in the treatment of symptomatic brachymetatarsia and psychological disturbances related to aesthetic impairment. We recommend the use of the mini external fixator because it is easy to position, holds well mechanically as regards both fiches and body and the axial assembly is very well tolerated.