Brachymetatarsia is an orthopedic condition that affects one or more toes, which appear shorter than the others.
Unfortunately, this pathology also affects children , since it affects the phase of physical development.
This bodily abnormality can cause further problems and discomfort in the child's development.
In this article we will investigate the causes , symptoms and recommended treatments for brachymetatarsia in children.
Causes of Brachymetatarsia in Children
Brachymetatarsal deformity can be congenital or acquired. In most cases, the condition is present at birth and develops as the child grows. Congenital causes may include:
- Genetics: Brachymetatarsalgia can be inherited. If one parent has this condition, there is a greater chance that the child will develop it.
- Turner syndrome and other genetic conditions: Some genetic disorders, such as Turner syndrome, are associated with bone malformations that include brachymetatarsals.
- Embryonic development problems: During fetal development, abnormalities may occur that affect the normal growth of the metatarsal bones.
Acquired causes, on the other hand, can derive from:
- Traumas: Fractures or injuries that impair the growth of the metatarsal bone can lead to brachymetatarsal deformity.
- Illnesses: Some medical conditions, such as bone infections or metabolic diseases, can affect bone growth.
Symptoms of Brachymetatarsia in Children
The symptoms of brachymetatarsia in children are practically the same as those in adults.
However, the peculiarity of this pathology when it affects children is that not all sufferers show symptoms. In fact, some children may not display the classic symptoms of brachymetatarsia.
However, the most known and widespread symptoms of brachymetatarsia in children are:
- Anomaly in the length of a toe: for obvious reasons one or more fingers appear shorter than the others;
- Pain: especially during walking or physical activity;
- Difficulty walking: as body weight is poorly distributed;
- Formation of calluses and ulcers: always due to incorrect distribution of body weight.
Diagnosis of Brachymetatarsia
To diagnose brachymetatarsia in children, the child will need to undergo a specialist medical examination.
The diagnostic visit must follow various steps, all aimed at identifying brachymetatarsia, so as to be able to choose and plan the most appropriate treatment.
Initially, the doctor will examine the foot for any abnormalities and physical defects, visible to the naked eye.
To avoid mistakes and obtain a complete and reliable diagnosis, ultrasound examinations are often used . Only ultrasound scans provide a clear image that can confirm or deny the diagnosis.
If the doctor deems it useful to undergo other tests or an MRI scan , it is always best to follow his instructions, both to exclude other pathologies and to better assess the severity of the disease.
Recommended treatments for children
To decide which treatment to choose, it is necessary to evaluate the severity and condition of the brachymetatarsia and more.
The child's general health and, above all, his or her age also influence the final decision.
All these factors, therefore, will contribute to determining whether to opt for non-surgical treatments or surgical treatments.
Non-Surgical Treatments
Very often, to treat brachymetatarsia in children , when the pathology is not so serious, it is sufficient to undertake the healing process with non-surgical treatments , also called " conservative ".
Non-surgical treatments include therapies such as:
- Use of orthoses: specific custom-made orthopedic devices, which help distribute body weight better, thus reducing pain and improving posture;
- Do physiotherapy: specific and personalized exercises to improve foot strength and flexibility;
- Taking medications: usually anti-inflammatories, prescribed mainly to relieve pain and reduce inflammation.
Surgical Treatments
When brachymetatarsia begins to compromise the child's quality of life, doctors also recommend surgery.
Among the surgical treatments to which children are subjected, it is worth mentioning:
- Lengthening osteotomy: This procedure involves cutting the affected metatarsal bone and inserting an external fixation device to promote gradual healing of the bone while it is being lengthened. Although this procedure is not particularly painful, the complete lengthening process can take several months.
- Bone graft: After taking a bone fragment from another part of the body, it is grafted into the metatarsal affected by brachymetatarsia, thus lengthening the metatarsal bone naturally.
- Internal fixation: The latter procedure involves the use of plates or screws after the osteotomy and bone graft; the plates and screws serve to stabilize the metatarsal during the healing process.
Complications and Long-Term Outlook
Untreated brachymetatarsia can cause further complications, in addition to the discomfort caused by the disease itself.
The worst complications that brachymetatarsia can cause are certainly motor difficulties , permanent deformities and pain that, as the disease progresses, can become chronic.
Obviously, these complications can arise when the best treatment recommended by the doctor is not chosen and implemented.
The long-term outlook depends on the severity of the brachymetatarsia but also, and above all, on the effectiveness of the chosen treatment.
When the chosen treatment is successful and the desired goals are achieved, the child can develop foot mobility without major limitations.
However, it is always important to monitor the child's growth and development , including periodic follow-up visits to ensure the success of the treatment.
SmartHallux and solutions for the little ones
If your child suffers from brachymetatarsia , SmartHallux is the cutting-edge orthopedic center for you.
Also specializing in the treatment of foot deformities in children , including brachymetatarsia, SmartHallux offers a professional and innovative approach , ensuring not only the most cutting-edge approaches, but also the attention and maximum care of the little patient.
SmartHallux offers personalized solutions that combine personalized therapies and treatments and advanced technologies.
The primary goal of SmartHallux is to ensure healthy growth and a problem-free life for your little ones. Book a SmartHallux appointment for your child now and discuss, together with our team of experts, the best approach to overcoming brachymetatarsia.
