Metatarsal length does not correlate with maximal peak pressure and maximal force

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics
• Podiatry
• Orthopedics

Background:

• Metatarsalgia is common and linked to mechanical overload of metatarsal heads.
• Increased metatarsal length is theorized to contribute to metatarsalgia.
• Existing biomechanical evidence supporting this theory is limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine if metatarsal length correlates with plantar loading parameters.
• To investigate the relationship between metatarsal length and pressure/force under metatarsal heads.

Main Methods:

• Prospective study of patients with and without metatarsalgia.
• Physical examination, radiography, and dynamic pedobarography used.
• Correlation of relative metatarsal length with peak pressure and maximal force.

Main Results:

• No correlation found between relative metatarsal length and plantar loading parameters.
• Maximal force under the first metatarsal head was lower in the metatarsalgia group.
• No significant difference in maximal peak pressure between groups.

Conclusions:

• Relative metatarsal length does not impact plantar loading.
• Biomechanical rationale for surgical metatarsal shortening to reduce load is unsupported.
• Findings challenge the common theory linking metatarsal length to metatarsalgia.