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Resection of metatarsal heads

Resection of metatarsal heads is a commonly used surgery to correct bone deformity in toes caused by rheumatoid arthritis. A part of one of the affected toe bones, the phalangeal head, is removed so that the toe can lie flat. The affected tendons are released and attached again to conform to the new, correct toe position. The toe is then held in place with wires for several weeks. The wires can be removed in the doctor's office.

Author Robin Parks, MS
Editor Kathleen M. Ariss, MS
Associate Editor Pat Truman
Associate Editor Terrina Vail
Primary Medical Reviewer Kathleen Romito, MD
- Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Stanford M. Shoor, MD
- Rheumatology
Last Updated August 23, 2006

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: August 23, 2006
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