Treatment of symptomatic first metatarsal shortened by surgery.

There are several complications that can result from shortening of the first metatarsal in the treatment of bunion. Metatarsalgia and recurrent deformity can be quite disabling. The surgical technique described in this brief report provides improved support of the metatarsal heads in walking while decreasing pain and enables the patient to stand for longer periods of time. The procedure is reserved for salvage of those patients with severe pain and deformity and in whom other salvage procedures have failed.