First Metatarsal Malunion

Malunion of a first metatarsal osteotomy or fracture can result in dorsal angulation of the distal fragment and shortening of the metatarsal, among other deformities. Dorsal malunion can be caused by improper orientation of the osteotomy, poor intraoperative fixation, or loss of fixation post-operatively due to premature weight bearing or catastrophic failure. There is little in the literature on the rate and incidence of malunion following first metatarsal fractures treated either operatively or nonoperatively. However, treatment options would be similar as for malunion following an osteotomy. The treatment of malunions depends on how symptomatic the patient is, including pain, difficulty with ambulation, and whether they complain of transfer metatarsalgia.