Radiographic Bone Healing in Minimally Invasive Floating Metatarsal Osteotomy for Neuropathic Plantar Metatarsal Head Ulcers - A Retrospective Cohort Study

Abstract

Minimally invasive floating metatarsal osteotomy is an option for treating neuropathic ulcers under the metatarsal heads. This study presents the radiographic results of the floating metatarsal osteotomy. We reviewed files and radiographs at least 4 months after a floating metatarsal osteotomy in patients with diabetic neuropathy. In 71 osteotomies in 54 patients with late onset diabetes (mean age 61 ± 9, mean HbA1c 7.9 ± 1.9%), the primary ulcer healed within 3.5 ± 1.4 weeks. Of 66 osteotomies where radiographs were available 10 had non-union (15%, all asymptomatic), 15 (23%) had hypertrophic callus formation and 41 (62%) had normal union. One patient developed an ulcer under the hypertrophic callus. This necessitated callus resection. Asymptomatic non-union may happen in 15% of floating osteotomies, but the osteotomies appear to be relatively safe and effective for neuropathic plantar metatarsal head ulcers. Hypertropic callus causing local re-ulceration is rare and can be managed surgically.

Keywords: diabetic foot ulcer; hypertrophic callus; metatarsal osteotomy; minimally invasive surgery; non-union; osteomyelitis.