Metatarsal lengthening: case report and review of literature

Shortening of one or more metatarsals may be a cause of metatarsalgia and painful toe deformity. Usually, symptoms are limited and may be successfully addressed with nonoperative treatment. Rarely, operation indicated. This report reviews the surgical techniques, results, and complications. These operations include osteotomy and one-stage distraction with bone grafting, osteotomy and one-stage distraction without bone grafting, osteotomy with gradual distraction and bone grafting, and osteotomy with gradual distraction without bone grafting.