Resolution of metatarsalgia following oblique osteotomy

Metatarsalgia of the central ray is a major surgical challenge. Without precise correction, transfer lesions may occur at an adjacent metatarsal or patients may have inadequate pain relief. Current surgical treatment strategies do not facilitate precise positioning in different planes, resulting in disappointing outcomes. To achieve better outcomes we used an oblique sliding osteotomy to facilitate precise correction. We hypothesized the procedure would reduce pain in patients with prominent second and/or third metatarsal heads, with few complications. We retrospectively reviewed 32 consecutive patients with 42 osteotomies of the lesser metatarsal bones. The mean and median ages at the time of surgery were 49 and 54 years, respectively, with a minimum followup of 26 months. Thirty-one patients (97%) had relief of plantar pain. The mean American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society score was 82.4 points. We identified no transfer lesions. The median time to radiographic union was 10 weeks. Although time to bony union can be extended, the oblique sliding osteotomy facilitates intraoperative adjustment to provide the precise positioning critical to eliminating plantar pain.