[Metatarsalgia and modified Helal's operation. Apropos of a series of 40 cases]

The authors report a series of 40 cases of metatarsalgia operated according to a modified Helal technique. The mid-diaphyseal osteotomy was situated obliquely inferoanteriorly at an angle of 45 degrees on the metatarsal diaphysis. Twenty cases of hallux valgus were operated during the same procedure Surgery allowed a reduction in pain and hyperkeratosis in 67.5% of patients. Comparison of the results obtained with those reported in the literature confirms that the osteotomy must be metaphyseal and that weight bearing must be early and effective.