Congenital Brachymetatarsia

A 15-year old patient sought medical advice due to congenital hypoplasia (underdevelopment) of the third and fourth metatarsal bones of the left foot. Complaints on admission: atypical position of the 3rd of 4th toes, difficulties wearing shoes, pain syndrome.

The length restoration of the hypoplastic metatarsals was achieved by means of base metatarsal osteotomy and osteosynthesis by the Ilizarov method surgery.

During the postoperative period, longitudinal distraction of the selected metatarsals was performed, with restoration of their normal size.

The duration of distraction was 33 days, followed by a fixation period of 38 days.

During the entire period of rehabilitation the patient was fully weight bearing on the operated limb, without additional support. The result of the treatment was the increase of the longitudinal dimensions of the hypoplasic metatarsals by 2.3 cm, the elimination of the atypical position of the 3rd and 4th toe, ensuring normalization of the foot cosmetic appearance.

The patient wears regular shoes without pain and is satisfied with the results of the treatment.