[Short-term outcome of Weil osteotomy in treatment of metatarsalgia]

The aim of this retrospective study was to analyse the short term results after the Weil-procedure for the treatment for metatarsalgia in 30 consecutive patients.

30 patients (69 osteotomies) after the Weil-procedure with an average age of 60 years (range 25 to 78 years) were analysed by clinical and radiological evaluation. The average follow up was 15 months (range 12 to 26 months). Analysis was performed using the patients' records, weight-bearing radiographs and a standardized questionnaire.

Subjective evaluation revealed 23 very satisfied and satisfied patients. Based on the Lesser-Metatarsal-Interphalangeal-Scale the objective results showed 77.1 points on average. The results were excellent in 17 cases, good in 4, fair in 3 and unsatisfactory in 6 cases respectively. Recurrent metatarsalgia was noted in 5 cases, whereas no transfermetatarsalgia was observed. The average shortening was 4.4 mm. Subluxation of the metatarsophalangeal joint was corrected in 18 out of 22 cases. A restricted plantar flexion of the metatarsophalangeal joint was noted in 14 cases. 2 patients showed loss of movement.

Our short-term results reveal that the Weil-osteotomy is a sufficient treatment for metatarsalgia. This technique is able to reestablish the alignment of the metatarsals and to correct luxation and subluxation of the metatarsophalangeal joint. Restricted plantarflexion of the metatarsophalangeal joint is a drawback, which may be avoided by intensive physiotherapy.