How to avoid complications of distraction osteogenesis for first brachymetatarsia.
OBJECTIVE
Distraction osteogenesis may be used for the treatment of brachymetatarsia. However, few reports have been published on first metatarsal lengthening by this method. We evaluated the complications of distraction osteogenesis for first brachymetatarsia and here we provide a solution.


METHODS
16 patients (27 feet) underwent distraction osteogenesis for first brachymetatarsia. Mean age at time of surgery was 20 (12-34) years and mean duration of postoperative follow-up was 5 (2-13) years. A unilateral external fixator was fixed at the medial aspect of the metatarsus. The distraction axis was parallel to the plantar surface of the foot in the sagittal plane and to the second metatarsal axis in the transversal plane.


RESULTS
First metatarsal length expressed as a proportion of second metatarsal length was 60% (55-64). Average degree of metatarsal lengthening was 42% (34-54), and the average lengthening index was 64 (39-93) days/cm. The most common complication was stiffness of the metatarsophalangeal joint (12 feet). Deformities that included cavus foot and hallux valgus occurred in 3 feet each, and callus fractures occurred in 3 feet. The other complications were pin breakage and pin tract infection in 2 feet each.


CONCLUSIONS
Distraction osteogenesis for first brachymetatarsia can give satisfactory cosmetic and functional results. However, several complications are commonly encountered. This report on complications and their solutions may help those attempting distraction osteogenesis for first brachymetatarsia.
Lee
Keun-Bae
KB
Department of Orthopaedics, Chonnam National University Medical School and Hospital, Gwangju, South Korea. kbleeos@chonnam.ac.kr
Yang
Hyun-Kee
HK
Chung
Jae-Yoon
JY
Moon
Eun-Sun
ES
Jung
Sung-Taek
ST
D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D016267:External Fixators; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005532:Foot Deformities, Congenital / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008682:Metatarsal Bones / Q000002:abnormalities / Q000601:surgery*; D019857:Osteogenesis, Distraction / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000517:prevention & control; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult