Stress fractures of the lesser metatarsals after a Wilson osteotomy for correction of hallux valgus deformity.

This article describes a patient with lesser-metatarsal stress fractures resulting from an oblique Wilson displacement first metatarsal osteotomy. The shortening of the first metatarsal forces the lesser metatarsals to bear the weight previously borne by the first ray and increases the compression stress on the adjacent metatarsal heads. The proximal displacement of the osteotomy must be minimized in order to limit the risk of stress fracture of the lesser metatarsals.