Weil Osteotomy for Claw Toe

Weil osteotomy, sometimes referred to as distal metatarsal osteotomy, helps to relive the symptoms of metatarsal-phalangeal (MTP) joint synovitis, MTP subluxation, persistent metatarsalgia, or claw toe, by shortening the end of the metatarsal located at the base of the affected toe. By doing this, the toe has space to relax and allows it to return to its normal position.

Claw foot or claw toes can appear from birth, or your toes and/or feet can bend later in your life. In some cases, claw toes are caused by uncomfortable shoes and in some more serious cases by diabetes or a stroke.

In some cases, initial treatment may include modifications of footwear, custom-made orthoses, or metatarsal pads.

To begin surgery, the patient is positioned in a way to properly display the top of the foot to the surgeon and an anesthetic is administered. After the affected area has been cleaned and sterilized, the surgeon will then create an incision right along the top of the toe at the base of the affected joint.

After the end of the metatarsal is cut at an angle, the end of the bone is able to slide back into place. A screw is inserted through the top of the joint which secures the end of the bone. Once the excess bone has been removed, the metatarsal is shortened and more room is created for the toe bones.

When the surgery is complete, the incision is closed, and the entire foot is wrapped in a bandage. Patients will then be placed in a postoperative shoe or walking boot. Recovery time for most patients is anywhere between six and eight weeks.

Customer Feedback

At Foot and Ankle Center of Arizona, we take great pride in the positive feedback we receive from our patients. Their satisfaction is our top priority. And we strive to exceed their expectations with every interaction. Here are a few testimonials from our valued patients:

For many years, I had taken a lot of pain in the ball of my foot, which considerably hampered my walking and active life. I have received a suggestion from Dr. Kris DiNucci for Weil Osteotomy at the Foot and Ankle Center of Arizona. I can never regret having trusted him to do the procedure. The working team was very professional, putting me at ease through it all. The pain has immensely reduced since the surgery, and I'm back doing all of the things that I love to do with no discomfort. I give Dr. DiNucci and his staff my highest recommendation.

Brian Christopher

February 2022

For several months, I had been having a sharp pain in the ball of my foot called metatarsalgia. It was a type of pain in my foot that made every step just about unbearable. I visited many doctors until I came across Dr. Kris DiNucci with the Foot and Ankle Center of Arizona. He explained to me that a Weil Osteotomy might correct the alignment in my foot and take some pressure off it. He performed the surgery, and all went well; his professional team was so considerate, warm, and caring. Pain-free now for a lot of weeks, I'm the happiest. Thank you, Dr. DiNucci!

Caleb King

April 2022

I have been in so much pain due to a toe deformity, inside my toes. That caused uncomfortable aches and stiffness inside my toes because walking involved tremendous effort. I had a Weil Osteotomy of my foot performed by Dr. Kris DiNucci at the Foot and Ankle Center of Arizona, and it was the best decision I could have made. The team was highly professional, and they took the time to answer all my questions in as much depth as I required. I improved after the surgery, and now I can walk comfortably again without any issues. I just can't thank Dr. DiNucci and his team enough!

Thomas Anderson

August 2023

I resided myself to know that foot pain, particularly in the metatarsal region, was part of my daily life. The many different treatments I tried with no relief led me to see Dr. Kris DiNucci of the Foot and Ankle Center of Arizona, who told me that the procedure called Weil Osteotomy was an option. My first reaction was hesitation, but he came off as very professional and knowledgeable in this area of expertise. The surgery went well, and now I can walk without the chronic pain anymore. Dr. DiNucci and his staff were great; I would highly recommend them to anyone who has problems with their feet.

Charles White

August 2024

I was having extreme discomfort from a metatarsal that had collapsed and did not find much relief. A friend recommended a consultation with Dr. Kris DiNucci at the Foot and Ankle Center of Arizona, and after having a consultation with him, I was confident that his recommendation for Weil Osteotomy was a good one. That surgery was a game-changer for me. The team was very professional and compassionate, with a smooth recovery. I couldn't be happier with the results of more pain, and I can enjoy daily walks again. Thanks, Dr. DiNucci and your team!