Based in the heart of NY, Advance Foot and Ankle Solutions offers the best facility for performing toe lengthening (Brachymetatarsia) surgery, while catering to all other various foot and ankle problems. Look no further when you can have direct access to the globally acclaimed specialist team of foot and ankle surgeons, supervising & managing your toe lengthening (Brachymetatarsia) surgery with diligence and dedication.
Advance Foot and Ankle Solutions support team is absolutely attentive to your requirements related to toe lengthening (Brachymetatarsia) surgery. Call & book an appointment right away for professionally diagnosed, treated and empathetically cured foot and ankle issues, to lead a wholesome, enviable lifestyle.
Toe Lengthening (Brachymetatarsia): Outlined By Your Orthopedic Doctor
Brachymetatarsia or hypoplastic metatarsal denotes a condition whereby one or more abnormally short or overlapping toes/metatarsals occur. This condition may result due to a congenital defect or it may be an acquired condition. It usually occurs in both feet (i.e., bilaterally) and in the fourth toe. If it affects more than one toe, the condition is called brachymetapody. Surgical toe lengthening is a procedure that helps patients who suffer from unnaturally uneven toes.
Congenital metatarsal shortening (mild brachymetatarsia) causes minor disability in daily life. However, patients are likely to seek medical care complaining mainly of cosmetic problems when they reach adolescence. Isolated short toes can be embarrassing for a person and may lead to functional problems later on in life, making them more susceptible to foot aches and injuries. The disease is found more in females than the males.
Toe Lengthening (Brachymetatarsia): Causes Leading To Short Toe
Several factors may contribute to uneven toes as underlined below:
- Congenital (Genetic) Disorder whereby the metatarsalgrowth plate closes too early so that the bone can no longer grow while the surrounding bones grow at a normal pace, resulting in a shorter toe
- Traumatic Condition whereby the individual sustains trauma in an early age, causing the metatarsal plates to close too early
- Previous Hammer Toe Surgery wherein the affected toe would have been shortened due to overcorrection in bone cutting.
- Down Syndrome as a strong potential of causing the condition
Toe Lengthening (Brachymetatarsia): Indications & Symptoms Of The Short Toe
The following signs and indications would alert the person suffering from uneven toes to seek podiatric assistance at a professional toe lengthening clinic:
- Pain due to uneven distribution of weight among the 5 toes
- Difficulty In Walking due to instability
- Problem In Footwear selection and usage
- Cosmetic Concerns owing to overall foot appearance
- Curling of surrounding toes under the short toe
- Pressure Calluses formation on the sole
- Embarrassment for the patient while in public
Toe Lengthening (Brachymetatarsia): The Treatment Options
Treatment methodologies for mild brachymetatarsia are limited. Both conservative and invasive means are employed, keeping in view the severity of the condition.
The Conservative Mode Of Care: The non-surgical, conservative means of treatment may include the following:
- Wearing Comfortable Footwear with spacious toe-box for easy movement
- Applying Padding between the toes or behind the nail edge to relieve pain
- Using Custom Molded Orthotics as temporary arch supports to minimize the gripping or clawing effect of the toes
The Invasive Mode Of Treatment: The basic aim of surgery is to lengthen the short toe. In this procedure,
- Local anesthesia and sedation are delivered by the surgeon
- The short metatarsal is usually cut using a specialized instrument and a piece of bone is grafted between the two ends.
- When the graft heals, the metatarsal and toe attain the correct size.
- The toe’s extensor tendons and the surrounding skin also must be lengthened to accommodate the repaired toe, in most cases.
An exceptionally short metatarsal may turn grafting impossible. In this case, the two metatarsals flanking it may be shortened slightly to correct the arc of the toes and restore the foot’s ability to transfer weight sequentially.
Toe Lengthening (Brachymetatarsia): Postoperative Recovery & Care
- Taking Medication to relieve the mild painful sensation
- Applying Ice Packs to alleviate pain & discomfort
- Getting Stitches Removed after around 2 weeks
- Staying Non-weight Bearing for at least 3 months
- Walking With Crutches might be necessary
- Wearing Special Lace-up Shoe for at least 6 more weeks
- Draining Lymph Manually in severe swelling due to fluid accumulation
- Experiencing A Fresher Look of the more balanced feet