Metaizeau's technique for displaced metatarsal neck fractures.

Metaizeau's technique can be applied to reduce the displaced metatarsal head distally from the fracture in an easier way and to keep the fracture site closed, as compared with retrograde Kirschner wires. We present seven fractures treated anterograde with progressive weight-bearing after 2 weeks. Open reduction was unnecessary in all cases. This technique permitted correct control of the distal fracture fragment, obtained good reduction of the metatarsal heads without opening the fracture site, and with no lesion of the capsulo-ligamentosus metatarsophalangeal joint structures. We obtained the radiographic healing of all and showed correct alignment. Metaizeau's technique is a valid alternative to retrograde Kirschner wires fixation in the treatment of displaced metatarsal neck fractures.

Valgus deformity after fibular resection in children.

The authors present a retrospective study of 23 patients in their growing period who underwent resection of more than 2 cm of the fibula. Long-term effects in the ankle and tibia were analyzed. The patients were radiologically studied using the contralateral side as control. Representative radiologic findings were distal migration of the fibula head in 75% (but without clinical relevance), thickening of the external tibial cortex in 20%, talar tilt in 45%, proximal migration of the lateral malleolus in 55%, and diaphyseal valgus of the tibia in 20% of the cases. Incomplete regeneration of fibula was observed in 58% of the cases. Two patients suffered a spiral diaphyseal fracture and another a slow physeal fracture of the distal tibia. In this study, many radiologic changes were observed after fibula resection. The authors suggest using reconstruction methods after fibula resection when it is possible.