Brachymetatarsal Correction Center - New York
Welcome! The podiatry professionals at Brachymetatarsal Correction Center of New York are pleased to welcome you to our practice. We want all our patients to be informed decision makers and fully understand any health issues you face. That's why we've developed a web site loaded with valuable information about podiatry and podiatric problems and treatments. We encourage you to visit this site whenever you have concern about your feet.
Brachymetatarsal
(Short Toe)
What is it?
Brachymetatarsia is a fairly common condition in which one of the metatarsal bones of the foot is abnormally short, causing the appearance of a short toe. This most often affects the 4th toe and may occur on both sides (left and right feet). It sometimes affects more then one toe in the same foot. This can cause foot problems with the fitting of shoes and painful ambulation. It also can be very unsightly, and cause problems with children and adults showing their feet in public.
Why do I have it?
It is most commonly a genetic disorder (congenital abnormality), causing a premature closing of the growth plate of the metatarsal. Once the growth plate closes it fails to grow. The other metatarsals continue to grow around it, causing a short appearance of the toe.
It can also be caused by trauma to the growth plate as a child.
What can I do about it?
As for most foot deformities there are conservative and surgical options. Conservative cares consist of wearing comfortable shoes, wide and high toe boxes. Avoiding activities that aggravate the problem are also a conservative method.
There are two surgical approaches that we use to address this problem.
1. Bone Graft
This is done by creating a space in the metatarsal by breaking it, then inserting a bone graft (usually from a cadaver) into the space. This makes the metatarsal longer. This may involve 4-6 weeks on crutches and is a 1step procedure. This only is an option when the metatarsal involved is not drastically short. (This is determined by pre-op X-rays)
2. External Fixation
This is a 2 step procedure. Step #1 involves breaking the short metatarsal and the application of an external fixator (see pictures for details). Then you, the patient, gradually (and painlessly) lengthen the metatarsal about 1mm a day until the desired length. This usually takes about 4 weeks. We then have to wait while the bone heals and go back to the operating room for step #2 removal of the external fixator. The entire process takes on average 2 months. You usually can walk during this time.
The correct method for you is determined by your doctor, based on pre-op x-rays and individual expectations and your general health.
Our facility has recently
been accredited by JACHO
