Surgical treatment of metatarsalgia

Surgical treatment may be needed where conservative treatment fails in the management of metatarsalgia secondary to pes planus transversus sometimes associated with shortening of the first metatarsal. The author's technique of operation was employed in 85 feet of 45 patients with satisfactory results in 89.4%. The operation consists of a single or double V-shaped osteotomy of the middle metatarsal bones performed in the dorso-plantar plane of the proximal metaphysis. This allows realignment of the metatarsal heads and additional shortening of these bones if necessary. This type of osteotomy is simple and stable with rapid bony union.