Midshaft metatarsal segmental osteotomy with open reduction and internal fixation.

Background: Metatarsalgia is a common source of patient discomfort and has multiple etiologies. Lesser metatarsal osteotomy is a recognized treatment modality for persistent symptoms after conservative care, yet the location and type of osteotomy remain highly debated topics. The current investigation reports the initial results regarding midshaft, segmental osteotomy of the lesser metatarsals with open reduction and internal fixation. Methods: Ninety-five consecutive patients had lesser metatarsal midshaft, segmental osteotomy with open reduction and internal fixation from June, 1999, to October, 2001, representing 102 feet and 126 osteotomies. Patient records were retrospectively reviewed for osteotomy union, symptomatic relief, and complications associated with this procedure. Followup ranged from 5 months to 18 months with an average of 8.8 months. Fixation was achieved with a four-hole, 1/4-tubular, minifragment, plate and four 2.7-mm cortical screws. Results: Five patients had transfer lesions, (fiv...