Predictive Value of Radiographic Measurements Compared to Clinical Examination in the Preoperative Planning for a Weil Osteotomy

Abstract

In spite of careful preoperative planning, it was difficult to obtain the ideal foot type, and the frequency of transfer metatarsalgia in our patients was similar to that reported in the literature. A significant (p = 0.03) relationship was identified between the amount of preoperative instability and the risk of developing transfer metatarsalgia. Preoperative dorsoplantar standing radiographs, although helpful in planning surgery to obtain appropriate metatarsal lengths, should not be the only method used for operative planning.