Metatarsal Surgery: The Complete Guide

Metatarsal surgery is one of the most well-known and commonly performed procedures by surgeons specializing in foot and ankle surgery.

Among the various existing treatments for foot and ankle pathologies , it is precisely on metatarsal surgery that we intend to focus.

In this guide, we will try to answer the most frequently asked questions as best we can : from the indications and contraindications of the procedure to its cost, from the costs of the procedure to the specialists to contact.

What is metatarsal surgery?

As mentioned, metatarsal surgery is a fairly common, albeit complex, operation.

By its very definition, this surgery affects the metatarsals, or the front bones of the foot.

Metatarsal surgery is therefore often recommended both to correct bone deformities and to improve the functionality of the foot and eliminate the pain caused by pathologies affecting the metatarsals.

Various conditions can affect the metatarsals or the anterior region of the foot in general, such as hallux valgus , metatarsal fractures, metatarsalgia , and Morton's neuroma . For any of these conditions, however, the goal of surgery is always the same: to restore normal mobility, anatomy, and function of the foot and improve the patient's quality of life.

As with any surgical procedure, a thorough medical evaluation is required beforehand , followed by personalized planning . Each patient has their own unique physical characteristics and expectations regarding the procedure.

The success of the operation , therefore, depends both on the planning of the intervention and on the professionalism of the surgeon, as well as on the correct post-operative therapy.

How is metatarsal surgery performed?

Depending on the pathology being treated, metatarsal surgery varies greatly.

It is essential that the operation is personalized and specific both for the pathology being treated and for the patient and their health conditions.

To undergo metatarsal surgery, you must first undergo preoperative preparation . This consists of a series of diagnostic tests to best understand how and where to intervene.

The surgeon will then discuss with the patient the anesthesia options (local or general) depending on the procedure to be performed and the patient's general condition.

Once this is done, the actual surgical procedure can begin . Once the anesthesia is administered, the surgeon makes an incision in the affected area to reach the metatarsal bone or bones.

Once the area to be operated on has been opened, the surgeon begins to separate the soft tissues to reach the metatarsals . Only then will the actual correction of the deformity be carried out.

Once the deformity is corrected, the surgeon fixes the metatarsals with plates , screws, or other devices. This step serves to stabilize the bones, keeping them stable for recovery and rehabilitation.

In the case of minimally invasive surgery , however, the incisions are very small (4-5 mm), do not leave scars and often there is no need for synthesis devices.

Once everything is in place, the surgeon closes the incision using sutures.

Recovery and Rehabilitation: How Long Do They Last?

After metatarsal surgery, you will have to deal with recovery and rehabilitation.

Like surgery, recovery and rehabilitation must be studied and personalized for each patient.

After an initial period of rest , under the advice and supervision of the doctor, the patient will begin the recovery process. This process includes exercise and physiotherapy.

All this is aimed at improving and regaining the mobility of the foot and of one's life.

Recovery and rehabilitation times vary depending on the pathology, the surgery undergone, and the patient's condition.

In general, however, recovery times usually range from a minimum of 1 to a maximum of 6 months.

Who is a good candidate for metatarsal foot surgery?

For this type of surgery or any other type of surgery, there is no perfect patient.

But there is a good candidate for surgery!

A patient with persistent , debilitating pain and obvious, severe deformity is certainly a good candidate for metatarsal surgery.

If the patient's quality of life has significantly decreased due to this pathology, and conservative treatments have not worked, that patient will be considered for surgery.

But is that all there is to it? No, obviously not.

The patient who intends to undergo metatarsal surgery must also be in good general health.

Your health conditions and expectations for success regarding the surgery must always be studied, discussed and evaluated together with the surgeon who will perform the procedure.

What are the risks and complications of metatarsal surgery?

Metatarsal surgery is not free from risks and complications.

What could these risks and complications be?

It is worth mentioning some of the most important ones, namely: 

• Infections;
• Blood clot formation;
• Joint stiffness;
• Hemorrhages;
• Worsening of the pain.

It is important to know, however, that these risks and complications, although they may be scary, are both avoidable and manageable.

By undergoing postoperative monitoring and always following the surgeon's instructions, without taking any personal initiatives, it is possible to minimize the damage caused by these complications and return to everyday life with peace of mind.

How much does metatarsal surgery cost?

There is no fixed cost for metatarsal surgery.

This varies depending on the complexity of the operation , the length of hospital stay, and the resulting hospital expenses. Added to these factors are insurance coverage and the surgeon's fee.

The cost of metatarsal surgery should be discussed preoperatively , along with the patient's expectations for the success of the surgery and their health, both with the surgeon and the healthcare facility where the surgery will be performed.

SmartHallux: The right choice for you

If you're looking for specialists who can both perform metatarsal surgery and provide post-operative care, SmartHallux is the right place for you.

Not only does SmartHallux avail itself of the direction of Dr. Luigi Manzi , a renowned international surgeon, but it has also experimented with new minimally invasive and functional surgical techniques that radically reduce post-operative recovery time.

Before deciding whether or not to undergo surgery, however, it will first be necessary to diagnose the pathology you are suffering from.

SmartHallux offers a variety of consultation options to meet the needs of all patients. From in-office visits to telemedicine consultations, SmartHallux also offers home visits.

How to book an appointment with SmartHallux

Booking an appointment with one of the SmartHallux surgeons is simple and convenient.

Just click here and fill out the short booking form.

By relying on SmartHallux you will not only have the security of having chosen the best in the industry , but you will be able to return to everyday life in no time.