A pictorial review of reconstructive foot and ankle surgery: elective lesser forefoot procedures

Abstract

This pictorial review focuses on basic procedures performed within the field of podiatric surgery, specifically for elective procedures of the lesser forefoot including the correction of hammertoes and lesser metatarsal deformities. Our goal is to demonstrate objective radiographic parameters that surgeons utilize to initially define the deformity, lead to procedure selection and judge post-operative outcomes. We hope that radiologists will employ this information to improve their assessment of post-operative radiographs following reconstructive foot surgeries. First, relevant radiographic measurements are defined and their role in procedure selection explained. Second, the specific surgical procedures of the digital arthroplasty, digital arthrodesis, lesser metatarsal osteotomy, and correction of metatarsus adductus are described in detail. Finally, specific plain film radiographic findings that judge post-operative outcomes for each procedure are detailed.