Treatment of brachymetatarsia of the first and fourth ray in adults.

Background: The purpose of this study was to review our results of treatment for brachymetatarsia involving the first and fourth ray.

Methods: This study includes 47 feet of 30 patients who have been treated for brachymetatarsia of the first and fourth rays. The average age of patients was 26.4 (range, 20 to 36) years. The second and third metatarsals were shortened in 44 feet. In 41 feet, the fourth metatarsals were lengthened at one stage with resected bones from the second and third metatarsals. The lengthening or shortening of each metatarsal was recorded. American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society score and subjective satisfaction were obtained for the clinical evaluation.

Results: The average amount of shortening in the second and third metatarsal was 8.9 +/- 2.8 mm and 7.2 +/- 2.6 mm respectively. The average amount of lengthening in the fourth metatarsal was 10.3 +/- 4.1 mm. Postoperative AOFAS score was 83.2 +/- 7.6. Stiffness of the fourth metatarsophalangeal joint was the most common cause of functional deficit. All except three patients were satisfied with some reservation. Additional operations were performed on eleven feet.

Conclusions: Most adult patients with the first and fourth ray brachymetatarsia have been subjectively satisfied with the treatment with some loss of function mostly due to stiffness of the metatarsophalangeal joints.