Complications of Distraction Osteogenesis in Short First Metatarsals

Comparison of the Outcomes of Distraction Osteogenesis for First and Fourth Brachymetatarsia

“…Several investigators have reported varying mean healing indices for distraction osteogenesis in the treatment of brachymetatarsia, ranging from 60.0 to 98.0 days/cm for patients with first brachymetatarsia and 43.4 to 82.0 days/cm for patients with fourth brachymetatarsia (see Appendix) 1,3,5,8,10,11,13,15,17 . Choi et al 8 reported a higher mean healing index in the first than that in the fourth metatarsal.…”

“…The primary complaint relates to the appearance of the foot 1,3,5 . Surgery should be planned to restore weight-bearing alignment, which coincides with improved cosmesis.…”

“…Distraction osteogenesis has been reported to have several advantages: it does not require bone-grafting, tendons are stretched more easily, there are fewer neurovascular complications, weight-bearing is achieved sooner, and more length can be achieved 1,[8][9][10]13,14 . Many reports have described the usefulness, complications, and techniques concerning first and fourth metatarsal lengthening by distraction osteogenesis 1,3,5,8,11,[15][16][17] .…”

“…Many reports have described the usefulness, complications, and techniques concerning first and fourth metatarsal lengthening by distraction osteogenesis 1,3,5,8,11,[15][16][17] . However, few reports have studied the outcomes of patients who have undergone distraction osteogenesis for the treatment of first and fourth brachymetatarsia 13 .…”

Prevention of Cavus Foot Deformity Following Gradual Distraction Osteogenesis for First Brachymetatarsia—Technique Tip

“…[3][4][5][6][7]10,16 However, several complications have been reported following distraction osteogenesis for first brachymetatarsia. 9,12,13 Oh et al 13 reported cavus foot deformity as a major complication in 4 of 13 first metatarsal lengthenings. Normally, the first metatarsal has approximately 30 degrees of metatarsal inclination in the sagittal plane.…”