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Published on: April 11, 2012
Comparative study of the Weil osteotomy with and without fixation
D García-Fernández1, E Gil-Garay, D Lora-Pablos
1Department of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery, Doce de Octubre University Hospital, Madrid, Spain. garferda@yahoo.es
Summary
Fixation systems for Weil osteotomy (a metatarsal shortening procedure) showed no significant difference in patient outcomes. This study found no link between metatarsal shortening and common complications like stiffness or recurrent pain.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic surgery
- Foot and ankle reconstruction
- Biomechanics
Background:
- Weil osteotomy is a common surgical technique for metatarsalgia.
- It involves shortening the metatarsal to reduce pressure on the metatarsal head.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the clinical outcomes of Weil osteotomy with and without fixation.
- To evaluate the impact of fixation on patient recovery and complications.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study of 92 patients (97 feet) treated for metatarsalgia.
- Comparison of 106 fixed Weil osteotomies (screw fixation) versus 92 unfixed osteotomies.
- Mean follow-up of 51.2 months (fixed) and 46.6 months (unfixed).
Main Results:
- No significant difference in AOFAS LMIS scores between fixed (69.8) and unfixed (75.3) groups (P=0.11).
- No significant relationship found between metatarsal shortening and complications such as recurrent metatarsalgia, transfer metatarsalgia, or joint stiffness.
Conclusions:
- Fixation does not significantly alter the outcomes of Weil osteotomy.
- Metatarsal shortening in Weil osteotomy is not significantly correlated with major complications.
