Weils Osteotomy
Indications for operation
Metatarsalgia/Lesser toe deformity.
Anaesthetic
The operation will be performed while you're asleep under a general anaesthetic.
Operation type
Open.
Incisions
An incision approximately 2-3cm long will be made over the ray or rays of the foot that are affected.
Procedure
The soft tissues holding the toe on the top of the foot are tight and these are released, allowing access to the joint and the shaft of the ray (metatarsal). The bone is then cut in such a way as to allow the toe to slide down the line of the ray, shortening it and allowing room for the toe to drop back into place. The amount of movement is normally a few millimeters. Once the correct position is achieved, the bone is held in place with a small screw.
Wound closure
The wound is closed with absorbable stitches.
Dressings
Dressings are placed over the stitches and a supportive dressing applied to the foot.
Immediate aftercare
You will be able to get out of bed as soon as you are comfortable and given a shoe that allows you to walk on the foot when you feel ready, putting weight on the heel. You can go home as soon as your surgeon and anaesthetist are happy and will be given an outpatient's appointment. The dressing will be removed and the wound checked in the clinic, then another supportive dressing applied for a further four weeks. It is important to keep the foot elevated for the first few weeks to reduce the swelling. Swelling commonly continues for 6-9 months to some extent and is not a cause for concern.
Risks
All operations carry small risks of complications. Whilst these are very rare, they need to be balanced against the potential benefits and this is something that your surgeon will discuss with you in detail before the operation.The specific risks for Weils osteotomies are wound infection, recurrence of the deformity, discomfort in other parts of the foot.
Our practice covers the following hospitals:
Parkside Hospital
For appointments phone : 0208 971 8026
St Anthony's Hospital
For appointments phone : 0208 335 4678
Ashtead Hospital
For appointments phone : 01372 221441
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New Victoria Hospital
For appointments phone : 0208 9499000
Clock House Hospital
For appointments phone : 01372 840837
