Helal metatarsal osteotomy for the treatment of metatarsalgia: a critical analysis of results

Orthopedics. 1996 May;19(5):457-61. doi: 10.3928/0147-7447-19960501-17.

Abstract

We reviewed the results of treatment of 114 feet in 96 patients with pressure metatarsalgia treated with a metatarsal osteotomy performed according to the technique of Helal. Clinical examination was performed according to a standardized evaluation questionnaire using the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society Lesser Metatarsophalangeal-Interphalangeal Scale. The results were correlated with number of metatarsal osteotomies, the length of the follow up, the age of the patient, and type of additional procedures performed. Sixty-one percent of the patients rated the operation as excellent or good. Patient age and number of osteotomies did not influence the results; however, the length of time following surgery and associated Keller-Brandes resection arthroplasty influenced the outcome negatively. There was a high incidence of increased transfer of weight to adjacent metatarsals. We concluded that the Helal type metatarsal osteotomy is unlikely to predictably achieve symptom relief over a long period.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Age Factors
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Arthroplasty / methods
  • Female
  • Hallux Valgus / surgery*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Metatarsus / surgery*
  • Middle Aged
  • Osteotomy / methods*
  • Postoperative Period
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Treatment Outcome