Two modifications of the Weil osteotomy: analysis on sawbone models.

Second metatarsal osteotomies (30 degrees angle to shaft) were performed in 40 sawbones with: 1. head shifted proximally 5 mm; 2. head shifted proximally 10 mm; 3. 5-mm slice resected and head shifted proximally 5 mm; or 4. 5-mm dorsally based wedge resected and head shifted proximally 5 mm. Bone slice resection resulted in shortening (16.4+/-1.7 mm) and mild plantar displacement of the head (3.5+/-0.8 mm). Bone wedge excision resulted in moderate shortening (7.8+/-0.9 mm) and essentially no plantar displacement of the head (0.8+/-1.4 mm).