Brachymetatarsia: one-stage versus two-stage procedures

Abstract

Objective: Brachymetatarsia is a deformity that usually is cosmetically displeasing and can also become a cause of pain.

One-stage lengthening of a short metatarsal with or without autogenous or homogeneous bone grafting is a procedure that only requires a single main procedure.

Two-stage surgery with external fixation (distraction osteogenesis) is preferred for lengthening more than 1.5 cm.

Single-stage lengthening with a bone graft is associated with fewer complications and faster healing times than callus distraction procedures.

Combined procedures with gradual lengthening might reduce complications.