Metatarsal Surgery

The metatarsals are the five long bones located behind each toe of the foot, with the bone that is connected to the big toe labeled the “first metatarsal,” the bone connected to the next toe labeled the “second metatarsal,” and so on. When one of these bones becomes abnormally aligned, this will cause painful calluses or ulcers to form on the ball of the foot and may require surgery. The most often performed metatarsal surgery is bunion correction on the first metatarsal. In such procedures, the podiatric surgeon will cut the metatarsal bone all the way through, adjust its position and then secure it in place with surgical instrumentation such as a metal pin or screw. The surgeon may also remove the callous or ulcer from the bottom of the foot at this time. Patients who undergo this procedure may go home with a temporary foot cast.