Distraction osteogenesis of fourth brachymetatarsia

• Distraction osteogenesis was done using a monolateral frame in 11 feet.
• Average length gained was 15.4 mm.
• The average healing index was 46 days/cm.
• Cosmetic and functional results were good-to-excellent.
• Aside from nine cases of mild pin-tract infection, complications were few and minor.

BackgroundBrachymetatarsia is a rare congenital or developmental condition that results in a short metatarsal. The condition most commonly affects the fourth metatarsal of young and adolescent females. It does not usually produce a functional problem. However, it may produce a significant cosmetic problem especially in young women. The authors present their experience in gradual distraction of the fourth metatarsal to tackle this problem in adults.MethodsThat was done using a monolateral frame in 11 feet of female patients with an average age of 23 years. Evaluation depended upon the achievement of the target length, angulation, pain, and satisfaction of the patient.ResultsThere were eight excellent and three good results after an average follow up of 2.6 years. Aside from nine cases of mild pin-tract infection, complications were few and minor.ConclusionsWe recommend distraction osteogenesis as the treatment of choice for brachymetatarsia of the fourth toe.