The role of Weil and triple Weil osteotomies in the treatment of propulsive metatarsalgia.
BACKGROUND
The Weil and triple Weil osteotomy are widely used to treat third rocker metatarsalgia. The aim of this study was to analyze the results and complications of Weil and triple Weil osteotomy used for the treatment of third rocker metatarsalgia.


METHODS
This is a report of 82 patients who were operated due to third rocker metatarsalgia from March 2004 to May 2007. A total of 76 completed the study, 68 women and eight men, with a total of 93 operated feet, 52 right and 41 left ( 17 bilateral). The clinical results were evaluated using the AOFAS score for the assessment of lesser metatarsals and interphalangeal joints, and weightbearing lateral and AP foot X-ray for radiological evaluation.


RESULTS
The median AOFAS score was 90 (range, 34 to 100). We had good results in 80% and unsatisfactory in 20%. Prior to surgery 75 feet were index minus, but after all 81 feet were plus-minus. With regard to complications, we had serious recurrence of metatarsalgia in 4.3%, moderate stiffness in 60.2% (severe in one case), floating toes in 4.3% and delays in bone healing in 7.5%.


CONCLUSIONS
We believe that Weil and triple Weil osteotomies are effective procedures in the treatment of third rocker metatarsalgia. We feel preoperative planning with tracing on the weightbearing AP radiographs is an essential step.
Hospital Infanta Cristina, Orthopaedic surgery and Traumatology, C/9 de Junio, 2, Parla, Madrid 28917, Spain. theconquis@gmail.com
Israel
I
Pérez-Muñoz
David
D
Escobar-Antón
Tomás Angel
TA
Sanz-Gómez
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008682:Metatarsal Bones / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D037061:Metatarsalgia / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010027:Osteotomy / Q000379:methods*; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D011859:Radiography; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016138:Walking / Q000502:physiology*; D016474:Weight-Bearing; D055815:Young Adult