A case of a 24-year-old woman affected of symptomatic IV brachymetatarsia associated to a cosmetic trouble of the right foot is presented. She was treated by means of a progressive lengthening of the IV metatarsal bone with a mini external fixator and a distal osteotomy of the first metatarsal bone. It was obtained a correct alignment of the IV metatarsal, healing of metatarsalgia, and correction of the valgus deformity of the I metatarsal bone. The patient was very satisfied with the cosmetic result, although a slight functional limitation but without pain persisted. Conclusions: Metatarsal lengthening may be indicated in the management of symptommatic brachymetatarsia. We recommend the use of a mini external fixator that allows progressive lengthening of the short bone, considering the possible complications of the technique and the long duration that the treatment needs.... [Leer más...]