[Lengthening of the IV metatarsal in the treatment of the shortened toe of the foot].

The author presents the results of surgical treatment of congenital shortening of the IV metatarsal in 3 girls. In 2 cases the defect was bilateral. A total of 5 feet were operated on the age of the patients at time of operation ranged from 10 years and 1 months to 16 years and 11 months. A one-stage procedure with the use of a Pumed mini-distraction device was performed. The fissure between the bone fragments was augmented with a bone graft from the fibula. It was harvested in such a way as to maintain internal cortical integrity. K-wire fixation of the bony fragments was applied for 7 weeks. Immobilization by means of a plaster cast was applied for 6 to 8 weeks. Follow-up ranged from 7 months to 3 years. In all cases an improvement of the finger shape and it's lengthening was noted, although in 2 cases lengthening wasn't complete. In one case it resulted from an axial deformity of the IV metatarsal, a sequel of early (5 weeks) removal of the K-wire.