Weil's Osteotomies
A Weil Osteotomy is a procedure to treat metatarsalgia, which is pain in the front part of the foot, under the ball of the foot.
Why Would It Be Performed?
Weil Osteotomy is performed when a person is suffering from metatarsalgia. It is able to treat metatarsalgia by shortening the metatarsals which is too long, straightening hammer toes or by relaxing the metatarsophalangeal joint thus allowing it to straighten and heal without pressure.
Why Does It Involve?
X-rays are done by your surgeon prior to surgery, to measure and determine how much your metatarsophalangeal joint needs to be relaxed. An incision is made on the top of the foot, between the metatarsal bones depending if you have hammertoes, this cut will extend to the toes. The metatarsophalangeal joint, which is at the base of the toe, is opened and part of the bone is resected to allow the tissues to relax, thus relieving the pressure under your foot. The bone is then fixed in its new position using a small screw or two, and the cut is stitched closed.
For more information on what to expect after surgery, please click the link for a detailed patient guide on this surgery.