A rare case of isolated congenital unilateral brachymetatarsia presenting in a young adult male

Abstract

Congenital brachymetatarsia is a rare skeletal anomaly which is characterized by the abnormal length reduction of one or more metatarsal bones. It occurs as the result of the early closure of the growth plate. While the majority of the reported cases are idiopathic, it can also be seen in association with various genetic conditions or syndromes. Brachymetatarsia most commonly involves the fourth metatarsal followed by the first metatarsal. This rare disorder is mostly bilateral and reported almost exclusively in females. Herein, we present a rare case of congenital unilateral brachymetatarsia which was incidentally detected in a young adult male.

Brachymetatarsia of The First Metatarsal

“…Congenital brachymetatarsia originates during embryogenesis and persists as the child matures, leading to a retardation in the overall developmental trajectory of the affected metatarsal (5). The precise etiological factor prompting the premature cessation of the growth plate remains elusive, but current hypotheses suggest a potential association with specific genetic markers (1).…”

“…The precise etiological factor prompting the premature cessation of the growth plate remains elusive, but current hypotheses suggest a potential association with specific genetic markers (1). While the anomaly can be discerned during early childhood when the growth plates (physes) are still patent, its manifestation typically becomes pronounced just prior to the definitive fusion of the metatarsal growth plate (5).…”

“…Particularly during adolescence, the condition can engender a skewed self-perception, occasionally culminating in psychological distress. This is particularly poignant given that the maturation of metatarsal growth plates typically transpires around the age of 14, coinciding with the adolescent phase (5).…”