Brachymetatarsia
Brachymetatarsia is a condition in which the bones of one of your metatarsals, or toes, is significantly shorter than the others. This condition can affect both feet and any of the toes, but most commonly affects the fourth metatarsal or toe.
This condition occurs when the affected metatarsal bone fails to fully develop, or its growth plate is closed prematurely during the early stages of growth. This condition may also be congenital, meaning an inherited structural abnormality.
Common symptoms associated with brachymetatarsia include pain that can affect how a person walks or performs certain activities impacting the patient’s gait and posture. If the short toe rises above the others, it can cause friction when wearing shoes leading to blisters and calluses.
Surgical treatment can also be performed if recommended or necessary. A bone graft can be performed to lengthen the toe through acute lengthening. During this procedure, the bone is lengthened by creating a space between the bone endings of the toe and filling the gap with a bone graft so the toe can be lengthened. Afterward, a cast is worn for several weeks, and the recovery can take a few months for the patient to heal fully.
Another surgical option is gradual lengthening in which an external fixator is used to gradually pull and stretch the bones and associated soft tissues over time until the desired length is achieved. It can take several months to complete followed by a few weeks of recovery in which the patient needs to avoid placing significant weight on your foot.
For more information on brachymetatarsia and how we can help or to schedule an appointment, contact our office at (740)383-5115.