Percutaneous distraction osteogenesis for treatment of brachymetatarsia

Brachymetatarsia is not an unusual deformity and is often associated with functional and cosmetic issues that warrant surgical reconstruction. Lengthening of the affected metatarsal can be undertaken on an acute basis in a single operative procedure that involves the use of a bone graft or by means of gradual callus distraction. Because of the risk of metatarsophalangeal joint malalignment, it is important for the surgeon to take steps to stabilize the joint during the lengthening process. In this report, a percutaneous method of callus distraction for repair of brachymetatarsia and maintenance of metatarsophalangeal joint alignment is presented.