Assessment of the severity of curly toe

BackgroundCurly/underlapping toe involves flexion, adduction, and varus deformity of the interphalangeal joints. There are no previous reports showing the relationship between physical examination and X-ray findings among patients with curly toe deformity.MethodsWe investigated the clinical findings of 116 consecutive patients associated with 239 underlapping toes. We compared the age and affected toes between patients whose deformities were pointed out at a pediatric medical examination (group 1) and those referred for medical treatment (group 2). The degree of curly toe deformity was graded by a physical examination and X-ray.ResultsThe average age at presentation was 2.7 years. The affected toes were significantly different between groups 1 and 2 (p < .001). The morbidity of each toe differed significantly in group 2 (p < .005) but not in group 1. The correlation between the appearance grading and classification by X-ray was very strong using Spearman's rank correlation coefficient. The severity of curly toe was divided into mild in 104 toes, moderate in 105 toes, and severe in 17 toes. The methods of conservative treatment were observation only in 15 cases, manipulations in 30 cases, taping in 67 cases, and a brace in 9 cases. Surgery was performed in 8% of cases.ConclusionCurly toe deformity of the third or fourth toes tend to be referred for medical treatment because of the abnormality. Our grading system using a physical examination and classification by X-ray was useful for assessing the severity of curly toe.     

Podoscopic classification of second toe deformities

BackgroundThe AFCP (French Association of Foot Surgery) classification was recently introduced as a reliable and quick visual method for the assessment of sagittal plane deformities of the second toe. The aim of this study was four-fold: (1) to describe a new toe-ground area score (TAS) as an additional dynamic tool of such classification, (2) to verify whether all second toe deformities could be classified, (3) to assess the TAS intra- and inter-observer reliability and (4) to evaluate the TAS learning curve.MethodsIn this retrospective study 52 s toes were evaluated using a podoscope. Ten foot and ankle surgeons assessed independently standardised videos of each case acquired in a blinded fashion. Assessment was repeated three times, 15 days apart. Intra- (Intraclass Correlation Coefficient or ICC) and inter-observer reliability (Fleiss’ Kappa coefficient) were calculated. Mean time to assess a deformity was also recorded.ResultsAll the 522 observations (52 feet assessed by 10 surgeons) were successfully rated using the TAS. Intra- and inter-observer reliability were substantial for the first round (ICC: 0.79; Kappa: 0.76) and excellent for the second (ICC: 0.88; Kappa: 0.8) and third round (ICC: 0.84; Kappa: 0.81). Mean assessment time ± standard deviation was 22 ± 11 s per case for the last two rounds.ConclusionsThe TAS has been proven reliable and quick in the assessment of second toe deformities. When combined with a static segmentary classification of the toe (such as the AFCP classification) it might provide further dynamic informations about the ability of the toe to engage the ground.Level of evidenceLevel IV, retrospective cohort study.     

Incidence of thyroid disease in patients with forefoot deformity

BackgroundHallux valgus and lesser toe deformities are common foot disorders with substantial functional consequences. While the exact etiologies are multi-factorial, it is unknown if certain endocrine abnormalities, such as thyroid dysfunction, may be associated with these pathologies. The current study sought to investigate the prevalence of thyroid disease in patients with hallux valgus or lesser toe deformities.MethodsEvery new patient who presented to our institution’s foot and ankle clinic during a three-month time period was given a survey to determine the presence of a known thyroid disorder. The diagnosis for each visit was then recorded. Additionally, a national, publicly available database was queried for patients diagnosed with thyroid disease and concomitant hallux valgus or specific forefoot pathology. Odds ratios for the presence of thyroid dysfunction were then calculated for each patient group.ResultsThree-hundred and fifty initial visit patient surveys were collected, and 74 (21.1%) patients had a known diagnosis of thyroid disease. The most common diagnoses were primary hypothyroidism (n = 61, 17.4%), secondary hypothyroidism (n = 6, 1.7%), thyroiditis (n = 4, 1.1%), and hyperthyroidism (n = 3, 0.9%). Thyroid disease was present in 16 of 26 patients (61.5%) with a diagnosis of hallux valgus (OR 7.3, CI[3.16–16.99], p < 0.0001). Lesser toe deformities, including hammertoes, mallet toes, bunionettes and crossover toes, were also significantly associated with thyroid disease (OR 5.45, CI[1.83–16.26], p < 0.002). The national database revealed 905,924 patients with a diagnosis of a specific forefoot deformity, and 321,656 of these patients (35.5%) had a concomitant diagnosis of a thyroid condition (OR 2.11, CI[2.10–2.12], p < 0.0001).ConclusionsThe current study suggests a significant association between forefoot pathology and thyroid dysfunction, especially hallux valgus and lesser toe deformities. Increased understanding of these correlations may offer an important opportunity in population health management, both in diagnosis and treatment. While further studies with long-term outcomes are necessary, the early diagnosis of thyroid disease may provide an opportunity to predict and potentially alter the course of forefoot pathology.     

Ischemic toe after surgery for lesser toe deformities: An algorithm

Ischemia after correction of lesser toe deformities is usually due to temporary vasospasm and can rarely cause gangrene. The published literature on dealing with the issue and been reviewed and used to suggest an algorithm for a logical step by step approach to a pale or white toe when encountered in the postoperative period.     

Komplikationen chirurgischer Eingriffe an den Kleinzehen

BackgroundLesser toe surgeries are among the most commonly performed surgical procedures in foot and ankle surgery. A large number of pathologies caused by an imbalance of the extrinsic and intrinsic muscles encounter an even greater number of surgical techniques. For the most part, patient satisfaction and clinical results are very good, but if complications occur, these often result in pain and can cause serious disability for the patient.MethodsDepending on the correctability of the deformity (flexible vs. rigid), either bony corrections including osteotomies (e.g. Weil), arthrodesis (PIP, DIP), and arthroplasty (trochlear resection arthroplasty), or soft tissue procedures (e.g. tendon transfers, tendon lengthening, reconstructions of the plantar plate) are used.ResultsComplications can generally be divided into 4 categories: wound complications, malalignment, neurological complications and implant-related complications. Superficial wound infections are common and can be managed with conservative measures and oral antibiotics. In contrast, hypoperfused toes, fixed dorsiflexion contracture, or deep infections are serious complications.ConclusionComplications following lesser toe surgeries are as diverse as the underlying pathologies. Amputation of the toe as a last resort is not uncommon, especially in cases of severe infection, circulatory disorders or recurrent malalignment.     

Minimally invasive correction for symptomatic,fixed curly toe deformity

BackgroundCurly toe deformity is a relatively common deformity that generally occurs at the 4th and 5th proximal and/or middle phalanges but rarely presents with symptoms. Although numerous open operative techniques have been introduced, there is no established treatment yet. We report the results of minimally invasive correction for symptomatic, fixed curly toe deformity.MethodsBetween 2016 and 2018, 25 consecutive percutaneous dorsolateral closing wedge-shaped osteotomies with Shannon burrs at the proximal and/or middle phalanx were performed. We assessed the postoperative clinical and radiological changes at a mean of 22.51 months of follow-up.ResultsThe locations of osteotomy were at the middle phalanx in 10 cases, proximal phalanx in 13 cases, and both in one case. The mean amount of corrections of varus inclination and shortening were 16.54° and 2.24 mm, respectively. The Foot and Ankle Ability Measure Activities of Daily Living scores significantly improved from 59.09 preoperatively to 74.55 at the last follow-up. There was one case of pin site infection and one case of incision site numbness due to digital nerve injury.ConclusionsMinimally invasive dorsolateral closing wedge-shape osteotomy is a simple, safe, and effective correction for symptomatic, fixed curly toe deformity.     

Proximal closing wedge lesser metatarsal osteotomy for metatarsophalangeal joint transverse plane realignment. Surgical technique and outcome

BackgroundWe describe the surgical technique and outcome of a proximal closing wedge osteotomy of the lesser metatarsals, to treat medial or lateral subluxation of the MTP joints, with toe deviation, when dorsiflexion (MTPJ dorsal subluxation) deformity is not present.MethodsThe principle of surgical correction, is the shift of the metatarsal head in the direction of the deformity, to allow restoration of congruity of the metatarsophalangeal joint. The osteotomies were performed at the proximal metaphyseal level. At the same time, soft tissue release, consisting of division of the inter-metatarsal ligament on the other side of the deformity, allows adequate displacement.ResultsFour patients, followed for 12 months, were asymptomatic and very satisfied with the outcome, while clinical and radiographic alignment was maintained.ConclusionsThe described surgical technique can be performed in selected patients with transverse plane deformities of the lesser metatarsals.     

Rezidive nach Korrektur von Hammer- und Krallenzehen

Symptomatic lesser toe deformities should be corrected if conservative therapy is exhausted or no longer seems appropriate. Prevention of recurrence starts with the correct indication for the appropriate surgical procedure. The occasional difficult question of the cause of the deformity is crucial in this context. A correct surgical technique and appropriate after-care reduces the risk of recurrence. Due to tensed bony and soft-tissue conditions, revision surgery of the forefoot is challenging. If a revision becomes necessary, the cause of recurrence must be re-examined. This paper explains the appropriate indications and surgical techniques for correction of lesser toe deformities. Subsequently, specific postoperative complications and their management are discussed in detail.     

Interphalangeal joint arthrodesis of the lesser toes

Fusion of the PIP joint of the lesser toes provides sound correction of deformity of that joint. Fusion is achieved reliably in most cases and fibrous ankylosis is well tolerated in those that fail. Patients at the extremes of the age scale are perhaps less tolerant of the procedure; complaints include poor cosmesis and subjective lack of control of the toes [18]. Although fusion of the DIPJ is a sound primary procedure, it would seem prudent to reserve PIP fusion as a revision procedure [7] or for the treatment of severe, fixed hammer toe deformities. For flexible or mild, fixed hammer toe deformities, consideration should be given to the use of tendon lengthening or transfer surgery in association with joint release as the primary approach to correct the deformity. Complete failure of surgery occurs when muscular imbalance or pre-existing deformity at another level is not properly addressed. This may result in patient complaints of persistent metatarsalgia or toe deformity despite a successful PIP fusion. The use of either sound fixation or a stable bony construct is recommended, as it is likely to reduce the incidence of mal-union and non-union.     

A Pragmatic Way to Treat Abdominal Deformities Based on Skin and Subcutaneous Excess

An objective classification for abdominoplasty based on subcutaneous and skin deformities is described. Type 0 patients are those who present excess fat with very little excess skin or without surplus skin, on which liposuction is indicated. Types I, II, and III are patients that demonstrate various degrees of excess skin and three basic patterns of skin resection are described. Type I patients present mild excess skin with a high umbilicus. Type II patients are those with mild excess skin and a well-positioned umbilicus, as well as patients with moderate excess skin. Type III patients present severely excessive skin. One hundred and eleven patients with abdominal deformity were reviewed and the incidence of each deformity was determined on this population. This study presents a practical classification that permits the plastic surgeon to critically evaluate which is the best option to correct abdominal deformities considering specific skin and subcutaneous deformities.     

Lesser toe deformities

Lesser toe deformities are caused by alterations in normal anatomy that create an imbalance between the intrinsic and extrinsic muscles. Causes include improper shoe wear, trauma, genetics, inflammatory arthritis, and neuromuscular and metabolic diseases. Typical deformities include mallet toe, hammer toe, claw toe, curly toe, and crossover toe. Abnormalities associated with the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joints include hallux valgus of the first MTP joint and instability of the lesser MTP joints, especially the second toe. Midfoot and hindfoot deformities (eg, cavus foot, varus hindfoot, valgus hindfoot with forefoot pronation) may be present, as well. Nonsurgical management focuses on relieving pressure and correcting deformity with various appliances. Surgical management is reserved for patients who fail nonsurgical treatment. Options include soft-tissue correction (eg, tendon transfer) as well as bony procedures (eg, joint resection, fusion, metatarsal shortening), or a combination of techniques.     

Valgus toe deformity of fourth proximal phalanx due to osteochondroma treated with closing wedge osteotomy

Osteochondroma is the most common benign tumor of all benign and primary bone tumors. It rarely occurs in the proximal phalanx of the lesser toe. The treatment of osteochondroma usually consists of simple resection. However, if other deformities remain, added procedures may be considered. We report a case of a valgus toe deformity of the fourth proximal phalanx due to osteochondroma. The patient was a 21-year-old man who noticed a valgus deformity of his fourth toe over 10 years earlier. He began to experience pain in his fifth toe because of crossover of the fourth toe when wearing formal shoes. Although resection of osteochondroma was performed, the valgus deformity was not sufficiently corrected. Therefore, closing wedge osteotomy of the proximal phalanx was performed at the same time. A good outcome was achieved for this patient.     

Hammertoes/Clawtoes: metatarsophalangeal joint correction

Clawing of the lesser toes is not uncommon, can arise from a number of causes, and is often associated with other forefoot abnormalities. There is still some confusion in the nomenclature of lesser toe deformities affecting the MTPJ and PIPJ although the resulting deformities are probably part of the same pathologic process and thus treated in a similar manner. Many will be successfully treated with nonoperative methods, but if they fail a number of surgical options are available depending on the severity of the deformity and whether the deformity is fixed or flexible. Correction at the MTPJ can be achieved using a stepwise progression of soft-tissue procedures alone, bony procedures, or a combination of both.     

Digital Deformity Assessment Prior to Percutaneous Flexor Tenotomy for Managing Diabetic Foot Ulcers on the Toes

The aim of this study is to evaluate the prevalence of digital deformities in patients with diabetes mellitus according to the McGlamry classification and relate the types of digital deformities with the history of digital ulcer. A cross-sectional study was performed in the diabetic foot unit between September 2016 and September 2017. All consecutive patients were classified by digital deformities according to the McGlamry classification (flexor stabilization, flexor substitution, and extensor substitution) using slow-motion videos. In all patients, the Foot Posture Index 6 was performed and previous toe ulceration, toe calluses, and nail dystrophy were evaluated. A total of 142 feet were evaluated, in which 29 (20.27%) feet did not show dynamic deformities, 65 (57.5%) were classified as flexor stabilization, 9 (8%) as flexor substitution, and 39 (34.5%) as extensor substitution. In total, 23% the feet with previous ulcer were classified as extensor substitution. A previous toe ulcer on the tip (p = .033; confidence interval [CI] 1.06 to 4.99; odds ratio [OR] 2.3), pronated foot according to the Foot Posture Index 6 (p = .048; 95% CI 0.9 to 8.9; OR 2.9), and callus on the tip (p = .002; 95% CI 1.47 to 6.41; OR 3.07) were associated with flexor stabilization deformities. Flexor stabilization, associated with the pronated foot, was the most prevalent dynamic deformity. Extensor substitution was present in approximately 40% of the patients and in 20% of the patients with previous ulcer, in whom flexor tenotomy could aggravate the digital deformity. An evaluation of dynamic deformities during gait should be included as a presurgical assessment to achieve successful surgical results.     

Opinions on lesser toe deformities among Dutch orthopaedic departments

BACKGROUND: Wide variations in definitions of lesser toe deformities exist. In addition, a general consensus regarding treatment of lesser toe deformities is lacking. The objective of this study was to evaluate of the definitions, current concepts, and treatment protocols for lesser toe deformities among orthopaedic departments in The Netherlands. METHODS: A questionnaire with statements regarding lesser toe deformities was sent to all 101 Dutch departments of orthopaedic surgery. RESULTS: In total 76 (75%) completed forms were analyzed. A wide variation regarding definitions, concepts, and treatment strategies of lesser toe deformities was reported among the Dutch orthopaedic departments. Only half of all responding departments had a protocol or consensus in the treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The definitions of lesser toe deformities used in Dutch orthopaedic departments do not coincide. This might explain the variations in indications and the various performed interventions for different deformities. The differences of opinion among the Dutch orthopaedic departments may have important clinical consequences because an indication for surgery depends on the correct diagnosis. To correctly interpret and improve treatment results, a consensus on this topic should be introduced.     

Nail flaps for microsurgical aesthetic reconstruction of thumb and donor site of great toe

Abstract

We describe a case of mutual transpositional transfers of toe and thumb in an attempt to restore the aesthetic appearance of the thumb with a deformity of the nail. The reconstructed thumb with the skin-nail flap from the great toe gave an excellent result both aesthetically and functionally, and the nail grew normally. The donor site of the great toe that was covered with the skin-nail flap from the thumb healed satisfactorily. This is another option for donor site management, the results of which are good, but the indications are under discussion.     

Amputation of a crossover 2nd toe in the presence of hallux valgus

Background: There are many surgical procedures for the correction of hallux valgus and crossover 2nd toe deformity. Amputation of a crossover 2nd toe is often performed as a salvage procedure if the primary 2nd toe corrective procedure fails.Aims: To assess the outcomes of amputating a crossover 2nd toe in the presence of hallux valgus in elderly patients above 70 years old; as a primary procedure.Materials and methods: Seven patients (8 ft) underwent amputation of their crossover 2nd toe. A disease specific questionnaire using a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) was implemented measuring pain, deformity, discomfort, and walking distance.Results: The mean age of the patients was 82 years old, range 74–89 years old. Amputation of the 2nd toe significantly reduces pain, discomfort and the appearance of deformity, there was no difference in the patient’s walking distance after surgery.Conclusion: We recommend this type of surgery as a primary procedure in elderly patients above 70 years old, if the first ray is not causing symptoms.     

Prospective review of medium term outcomes following interpositional arthroplasty for hammer toe deformity correction

Background

Hammer toe is a common lesser toe deformity that is usually found to affect the second toe. A number of procedures have been applied in its surgical management with varying results but there is still no consensus on the best technique.

Materials and method

We prospectively reviewed a consecutive series of patients treated with interpositional arthroplasty, early mobilisation and with a minimal follow up of 6 months. We measured outcome using the Manchester Oxford foot and ankle questionnaire and a global impression of change score.

Results

There was a high level of satisfaction with the resulting pain relief and the type of footwear worn thereafter. We had no complications in terms of infection or chronic pain. There were no early recurrences within our follow up period.

Conclusions

Overall we demonstrate good to excellent results with this surgical tactic allowing pain relief, early mobilisation and a low risk of infection.