Rare Presentation of Foot Postaxial Polydactyly

Polydactyly is a prevalent birth anomaly observed in the foot, and a number of classification systems have been suggested for this condition. Postaxial (fifth or little toe) polydactyly is the most common type. We encountered an exceedingly rare presentation of foot postaxial polydactyly that, to our inspection, had neither been previously classified nor described in published studies. In the present report, we have described an otherwise healthy 2-year-old female who had presented to our clinic with an isolated, extra little toe on her left foot. Foot radiographs revealed the presence of all 5 metatarsals; however, the fifth metatarsal was blocked and did not give rise to the fifth toe. Instead, the fifth (medial normal) and sixth (lateral extra) toes had originated from a single, separate accessory bud from the fourth metatarsal, and the main fourth metatarsal had given rise to the normal fourth toe. The lateral sixth toe was excised, and a periosteal sleeve of the excised extra toe was used for reconstruction of the lateral collateral ligament. We propose that this heretofore unmentioned presentation of postaxial polydactyly be added to the existing systems of classification of pedal polydactyly. A review of the published data pertaining to pedal polydactyly has also been presented.     

An unusual case of postaxial polydactyly of the feet

Polydactyly is a fairly common congenital anomaly characterized by additional fingers and/or toes, generally divided into three groups: medial ray (preaxial) and central and lateral ray (postaxial). We present a case of postaxial (fibular) polydactyly of the feet, assaying its clinical and radiological features and the method of surgical correction. Clinical outcomes after initial surgery were excellent in both feet. This surgical case shows that a careful individual preoperative planning is necessary to achieve good functional and cosmetic outcome. Level of Evidence: Level V, therapeutic study.     

Polydactyly and polysyndactyly of the fifth toe

Classification and treatment of polydactyly and polysyndactyly of the fifth toe are described based on a study of 37 patients with 46 affected feet. Polydactyly was seen in 26.1% of duplicated toes, polysyndactyly in 28.3%, and polysyndactyly fused with the fourth toe in 45.7%. Thirty-three patients with 42 toes were surgically treated. The medial toe was removed in patients with the duplicated fifth toe fused with the neighboring fourth toe; if necessary, a free full-thickness skin graft was performed on the fourth toe and not on the fifth toe. Either the lateral or the medial fifth toe was excised for better contour of the forefoot in patients with polysyndactyly without fusion with the fourth toe. The lateral digital ray, including the metatarsal, was excised in patients with polydactyly of the metatarsal type. The average age of patients at operation was 12.3 months (range, five days to five years). Reorganization of the foot was facilitated when the child was treated early or before it could walk.     

Classification of postaxial polydactyly of the foot

BACKGROUND: The origins and shapes of accessory digits in postaxial polydactyly of the foot were analyzed morphologically and radiographically, and their characteristics were determined. A simple classification method was then devised to assist in determining the most appropriate treatment options. METHODS: We evaluated 113 feet of 95 patients who had surgery for the treatment of postaxial polydactyly between 1998 and 2002. Based on the morphologic, radiographic, and operative findings, the cases were classified according to the origin of the accessory digit: middle phalangeal, proximal phalangeal, floating, fifth metatarsal, or fourth metatarsal. The proximal phalangeal type was further divided into three subtypes: proximal phalangeal lateral type, proximal phalangeal medial, and proximal phalangeal head. RESULTS: Of the 113 feet, 36 were middle phalangeal type, 45 were proximal phalangeal type, 5 were floating type, 15 were fifth metatarsal type, and 12 were fourth metatarsal type. Of the proximal phalangeal types, 15 were laterally duplicated supernumerary sixth digits, and 17 were medially duplicated supernumerary fifth digits. The duplicated digits of the remaining 13 originated at the distal portion of the proximal phalanx. In the middle phalangeal, proximal phalangeal head, proximal phalangeal medial, and fourth metatarsal types, the medial accessory fifth digit was an abnormally duplicated digit, which was excised. In the proximal phalangeal lateral, floating, and fifth metatarsal types, the lat eral accessory sixth digit was excised. For the children in this study, we did not perform reconstruction of the deep transverse metatarsal ligament or collateral ligament. Also, we did not use longitudinal pin fixation. Skin necrosis occurred in 10 feet that resolved, and in five of the 15 feet of the 5th metatarsal medial deviation occurred. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the morphologic, radiographic, and operative findings, we suggest a classification method of postaxial polydactyly of the foot. We believe this is a straightforward and useful method for the treatment of postaxial polydactyly.     

Polydactyly of the foot

Polydactyly may be preaxial or tibial (hallux-side), postaxial or ulnar (side of the little toe) and central (middle toes). The duplication may appear at the distal and medial phalanges or at the whole digit. The metatarsal bone may be part wise or completely duplicated, the accessory toes may share only one metatarsal. Surgical intervention may be indicated in shoe problems, for esthetic reasons or, especially in duplication of the metatarsales, because of secondary deviation of the toes and therefore shoe problems or plantar callosities. Preoperative analysis including x-ray is of great importance to achieve good functional and cosmetic results.     

A new surgical method for treating lateral ray polydactyly with brachydactyly of the foot: lengthening the reconstructed fifth toe.

Lateral ray polydactyly is the most common anomaly of the foot. However, when both the fifth and sixth toes are markedly shorter than a normal toe, reconstruction of a normal-length fifth toe has not been performed, because the toe rarely serves a functional purpose. The authors devised a new method whereby the fifth toe could be lengthened using the excess toe as a composite flap. Fifteen patients (15 toes) underwent our procedures and were evaluated in this study. The stepladder island flap is used. The decision as to which toe to use as the flap was made preoperatively based on nail size, and its morphologic and radiographic conditions. Stepladder incision lines were designed on the dorsal and plantar sides of the duplication. Care was taken to preserve the neurovascular bundle with the subcutaneous pedicle and osteotomies were made at the middle phalanx of the flap and the distal or middle phalanx of the recipient in almost all cases. The elevated composite toe flap was advanced and the bone was fixed rigidly for 1-2 months after the operation. During our follow-up periods, the reconstructed toes grew normally, and good aesthetic results had been achieved apart from the bulkiness of the reconstructed toes. There was no deficiency in circulation or function for walking, running, or shoe-fitting in this series.     

Surgical Procedures Based on the Arthrographic Findings of the Fifth MTP Joint With Proximal Phalanx Duplication in Postaxial Polydactyly of the Foot

Radiographic findings in several atypical cases of postaxial polydactyly of the foot do not provide sufficient information to assess the cartilaginous structures or duplicated digit connections at the MTP joint. The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the surgical procedures using arthrography for the cartilaginous structures of the MTP joint in postaxial polydactyly of the foot. We performed arthrography in 7 feet of 7 patients with postaxial polydactyly of the foot in which duplication of the proximal phalanx was observed at the fifth MTP joint on the basis of radiographic evaluation. The average age at surgery was 13.5 months and average duration of postsurgical follow-up was 36 months. Individual surgical procedures were confirmed or modified during the operation by reference to the arthrographic findings. Radiographic and arthrographic findings were assessed in relation to the findings from direct observation of the cartilaginous structures at surgery. Postoperative malalignment, functional disturbance and pain in the reconstructed toe were evaluated. The arthrographic findings provided different forms of cartilaginous structures that could be categorized in 4 types, and reflected the cartilaginous connection visualized at surgery that could not be detected on radiographs in each case. No cases revealed any deformities, functional disturbance, or pain in the reconstructed toe after surgery. The parents’ evaluation in each case was “very satisfied” or “satisfied.” The arthrographic findings provided additional information regarding variations in the cartilaginous structures of the fifth MTP joint and for determining individual surgical procedure for postaxial polydactyly of the foot.     

Operative repair of the fixed hammertoe deformity

Sixty-three patients (118 toes) were evaluated at an average 61 month follow-up following PIP resection arthroplasty for a fixed hammertoe deformity. The deformity involved the second toe in 35%, the third toe in 21%, the fourth toe in 24%, and the fifth toe in 20%. The involved toe averaged 2 mm. greater length than the adjacent toes and was longer in 49/94 (52%). Seventy-eight percent of patients complained of pain preoperatively due to the hammertoe deformity and 49% complained of callus formation. Following a resection arthroplasty technique with intramedullary Kirschner wire fixation, fusion of the PIP joint occurred in 81% of toes. A fibrous union resulted in the remaining 19% of cases. Patients rated subjective alignment as acceptable in 86% of cases and radiographic alignment was rated as good in 79%. Malalignment and numbness were the major factors associated with an unsuccessful result. Pain was relieved in 92%of patients and subjective satisfaction was noted by 84% of patients. Minor complications occurred in 5%. The average postoperative AOFAS score was 83 points. Resection arthroplasty of the proximal interphalangeal joint with intramedullary Kirschner wire fixation as a technique for correction of a fixed hammertoe deformity is a reliable technique that consistently gives a high level of satisfactory results.     

Operative repair of fourth and fifth toe corns

METHODS: We report a retrospective review of 57 consecutive patients (72 feet) over a period of 20 years who had been treated operatively for either a lateral fifth toe corn or an interdigital corn of the fourth interdigital space more than two years previously. Of these, 51 patients (62 feet) returned for a follow-up evaluation at a minimum of two years (average of over seven years) which included a review of the interval history since the surgery, a physical examination, a radiographic evaluation, and assessment of the patient's satisfaction with the alignment and results of surgery. Treatment of 31 lateral fifth toe corns involved either a lateral condylectomy and flexor tenotomy or a complete condylectomy. Treatment of 31 interdigital corns comprised either a single condylectomy, double condylectomy of adjacent corns, or a complete condylectomy (hammertoe repair) of a symptomatic corn. Treatment in each case was dependent upon the severity of the deformity. RESULTS: There was found to be no significant difference in comparison of the two major groups (interdigital corns and lateral fifth toe corns) with the measurement of the relative length of the fourth and fifth metatarsals, toe malalignment, angulation of the fourth and fifth toes (MTP-4, MTP-5 angles), and the phalangeal-5 angle. Pain was relieved in 58 of 62 feet (93%) and subjective acceptable alignment was achieved in 54 of 62 feet (87%). At final follow-up 53 feet were rated by patients as excellent, seven as good, one as fair, and one as poor. Complications included numbness of the involved digit (six feet). There were two superficial infections. There were two cases of joint instability due to excessive bone resection. Joint stiffness was commonly observed (34/62 feet, 55%), but was not associated with diminished satisfaction at final follow-up. Mild asymptomatic recurrence of a callosity was noted in 10 feet and moderate or severe recurrence was noted in two feet. Dissatisfaction was associated with moderate or severe recurrence. CONCLUSION: In this retrospective study at an average of more than seven years, we achieved a high level of patient satisfaction treating both lateral fifth toe corns and interdigital corns with a partial and/or complete condylectomy, the choice depending upon the magnitude of the deformity and the callus, and the fixed nature of the lesser toe deformity.     

Polydactyly of the feet in children: suggestions for surgical management.

Polydactyly is the commonest congenital deformity of the foot, presenting as a range of defects from minor soft tissue duplications to major bony abnormalities. There is a relative paucity of information on the management of this condition in the literature compared to that concerning polydactyly of the hand. We present a consecutive series of 34 cases of polydactyly of the foot in 25 patients treated surgically at our unit and these are classified according to the protocol described by Blauth and Olason. We emphasise the importance of preoperative classification using radiographs and an individualised surgical approach giving consideration to aesthetic and functional outcome.In the literature a number of authors have expressed the view that in polydactyly of the fifth ray of the foot the most lateral digit should always be excised irrespective of whether this is the more fully formed digit. We believe this should not always be the case and we describe two cases of polysyndactyly where the more medial element of a fifth-ray polydactyly was excised to allow for better maintenance of the contour of the foot. This involved more complex surgery than excision of the lateral element but gave a superior cosmetic and functional result.     

Polydactyly of the foot. Literature review and case presentations

Polydactyly is a fairly common congenital condition of the foot and is characterized literally by supernumerary toes (digit or metatarsal). The frequency of polydactyly varies widely among populations. It may be an isolated condition or part of a congenital syndrome. Polydactyly is generally classified into three major groups: medial ray (preaxial), central ray and lateral ray (postaxial). The duplication may appear at the distal and middle phalanges or at the whole digit and metatarsal. The complexity of the deformity ranges from a simple soft-tissue problem to a completely developed accessory ray. Careful clinical and radiographic evaluation should be made prior to treatment to achieve good functional and cosmetic results. Most cases are treated during childhood before walking age. Adult cases are more rare, and surgical management of the deformity is still debated. Nevertheless, surgery can be performed at any age as in our series with good results.     

Reconstruction of Foot Postaxial Polydactyly Using the On-top Plasty: A Case Report

Polydactyly is a common congenital hand, foot, or both anomalies characterized by the presence of extra fingers. Postaxial polydactyly is the most common congenital malformation consisting of the lateral or fibular aspect of the foot. Extra finger excision in the treatment of foot polydactyly is considered the basic procedure in surgery. However, in some cases more complex surgeries should be preferred. In this study, the “on-top plasty” method with a minimally invasive approach is presented in a case of complex foot postaxial polydactyly.     

Midterm Results of Medial Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty Performed in Patients With Lateral Meniscus Abnormalities on Preoperative MRI Without Symptoms Related to Lateral Meniscus

BackgroundThe purpose of the present study was to compare the functional outcomes of medial unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) between patients with lateral meniscal abnormalities (LM [+] group) on the preoperative magnetic resonance imaging and those without lateral meniscal pathology (LM [–] group) and to evaluate the effect of a lateral meniscus lesion on functional outcomes after minimal 5 year follow-ups of medial UKA.MethodsThe outcomes of 66 knees (LM (+) group) were compared with the outcomes of 59 knees (LM (?) group) with a mean follow-up period of 75 months (range 60-93 months). The clinical outcomes were examined including the KS object/function score, Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome score, lateral side pain, and squatting ability at the last follow-up. The radiological parameters (mechanical axis and component position) were compared at the final follow-up visit.ResultNo significant intergroup difference was found in terms of the KS object/function score, Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome score, presence of lateral side pain, and squatting ability. On the radiographic evaluation, there was no statistical difference in the position of the implant and mechanical axis between the two groups. After the surgery, the LM (+) group showed a tendency of slight varus alignment in the postoperative radiography.ConclusionThe results of UKA for medial unicompartmental knee osteoarthritis were excellent regardless of preoperative lateral meniscal pathology in the magnetic resonance imaging, if the patients had no symptoms related to the lateral meniscus lesion.     

Evolution of operative techniques for the treatment of single-suture metopic synostosis

PURPOSE: Primary orbitocranioplasty for metopic craniosynostosis encompasses a variety of techniques, with variable long-term success. The authors present a series illustrating the evolution of surgical techniques and its impact on surgical outcomes. METHODS: All patients with single-suture metopic synostosis treated at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia from 1975-2004 were included. Demographic information, preoperative clinical findings, operative technique, postoperative complications, postoperative clinical findings, and length of follow-up were all recorded. Five techniques are presented, reflecting a transition from mere reshaping with metallic fixation to the increased use of primary bone grafting and resorbable fixation to expand the frontal region. Preoperative covariates and technique type were analyzed for effect on outcomes. RESULTS: Eighty-six patients were identified. Mean follow-up was 50 months. In terms of esthetic outcome, patients with preoperative frontal irregularities had a higher incidence of postoperative deformities (P = 0.026). Patients with preoperative mean intercanthal distance <20 had a higher incidence of postoperative frontal irregularities (P = 0.045). Maximal expansion of the supraorbital bar via interpositional bone graft and stabilization of the construct with strategic bone grafting and resorbable fixation resulted in a lower incidence of postoperative temporal hollowing (P = 0.029). Patients with expansion and lateral reinforcement of the expanded bar had a lower incidence of reoperation (P = 0.026). CONCLUSIONS: Undercorrection of metopic craniosynostosis is not an uncommon finding. To prevent long-term relapse, aggressive anterolateral expansion of the supraorbital bar via primary bone grafting and resorbable fixation with the overall goal of overcorrection may provide the best esthetic outcome.     

拇趾毁损伤的再造

目的介绍逆行足内、外侧双岛状瓦合皮瓣加髂骨植骨再造足拇趾外伤性缺损的临床经验。方法对拇趾及踌、第2趾毁损且跖趾关节完好者,采用以足背动脉跖底深支为蒂,以内踩前或跗内侧血管、外踝前或跗外侧血管为分支的足内、外侧分叶皮瓣瓦合加髂骨植骨再造足拇趾。结果术后皮瓣顺利成活,经6～18个月随访,再造足拇趾外形满意,皮瓣两点辨别觉6-8mm,X线示髂骨与残端趾骨骨性愈合,髂骨未见吸收征象．拇趾跖趾关节背伸达40°,屈曲达30°。结论采用逆行足内、外侧分叶瓦合皮瓣加髂骨植骨再造拇趾是一种简单有效的方法。     

A comparison of lateral column lengthening and medial translational osteotomy of the calcaneus for the reconstruction of adult acquired flatfoot

BACKGROUND: This study compared the effects of lateral column lengthening and medial translational calcaneal osteotomy on pedal realignment and degeneration of adjacent hindfoot joints noted on radiographs. METHODS: Forty patients who had either a lateral column lengthening (25 feet) or calcaneal osteotomy (17 feet) to reconstruct a flatfoot were retrospectively reviewed as two groups. Six parameters of foot alignment were measured from weightbearing preoperative, early postoperative, and latest followup radiographs. The magnitude of realignment achieved initially and preserved at latest followup was determined for each group. The talonavicular and subtalar joints were graded for radiographic evidence of arthritis before the reconstruction and at latest followup. Demographic information, complication rate, and reoperation associated with each group also were determined by chart review. RESULTS: The group that received a lateral column lengthening demonstrated a greater initial realignment than the group treated with a calcaneal osteotomy. The lengthening group also demonstrated greater realignment than the osteotomized group when they were compared at their respective latest followup. The lengthening group had a higher number of adjacent joints with progression of arthritis. The rate of nonunion was higher with a lateral column lengthening; however, the rate of reoperation after an osteotomy was more than twice that observed after a lateral column lengthening. CONCLUSIONS: The lateral column lengthening group achieved greater realignment initially and maintained correction better over time than the calcaneal osteotomy group while having a lower reoperation rate despite a higher incidence of nonunion and radiographic progression of adjacent joint arthritis.     

A new anatomical repair method for the treatment of ingrown nail: prospective comparison of wedge resection of the matrix and partial matricectomy followed by lateral fold advancement flap

Currently, there are various surgical treatment modalities for ingrowing nail. None of these procedures are perfect to achieve esthetic results with low cost, recurrence, and complication rates. Eighty-seven toenails of 77 patients were operated in our clinic; 49 wedge matrix resections (WMR) and 38 partial matricectomy followed by lateral fold advancement flap (LFAF) were applied. Average follow-up period of the patients was 13 months. The recurrence rates, spicule formation, immobilization periods, and patient satisfaction for cosmetic result and discomforting symptoms were investigated. Nail, distal phalanx bone, soft tissue measurements were performed in the counterlateral healthy toe of 34 patients that we operated due to the unilateral ingrowing nail and 34 randomized individuals with no ingrowing nail by lateral and anteroposterior toe x-rays. There were no significant differences for age, sex, the side of the ingrowing nail, postoperative mobilization period, and the follow-up period between 2 groups that the techniques were applied to. There was no statistically significant difference in WMR (8.1%, 4 toes) and LFAF (none) for the recurrence rate. But there was significant difference between WMR (36.7%, 18 toes) and LFAF (5.2%, 2 toes) for the spicule formation rates (P < 0.05), and there was significant difference between WMR (20.4%, 10 toes) and LFAF (none) for the reoperation (P < 0.03). It was observed that patient satisfaction in cosmetic view was better in patient group treated with LFAF (P < 0.05). Phalanx heads were wider in patient group with ingrowing nail at the results of the measurements (P < 0.01). The fact that granulation and scarred tissues are removed instead of performing the great soft tissue excisions is more correct for both recurrence and cosmetics. Partial matricectomy and LFAF is a good alternative method for the treatment of ingrown nail, with less recurrence rates and cost and better cosmetic results.     

Anatomic correction of polysyndactyly of the fifth toe fused with the fourth toe.

A new surgical technique for correction of polysyndactyly with the fifth toe fused with the fourth toe was devised. The technique consists of the creation of a dorsal rectangular flap on the dorsum of the syndactyly web for the new fourth web, making a medially based plantar rectangular flap on the plantar surface of the fifth toe, and a sixth toe-tip-based rectangular hinge flap to reconstruct the lateral side of the fourth toe and medial side of the new fifth toe, respectively. All suture lines are intended to be located in the transition of the plantar and dorsal surfaces of the web and digit. This technique is characterised by accurate anatomic reconstruction, which produces better aesthetic results with no wasting of any skin components.     

Quantitative Evaluation and Midterm Progress of Reconstructed Toe Thickness in Lateral Ray Polydactyly of the Foot

In lateral ray polydactyly, the reconstructed toe often tends to become thicker, but no standard evaluation criteria for this thickness are available. 57 patients (68 toes) with Hirai-Togashi classification type II, III, or IV whom we were able to follow-up for more than 6 months after the operation were underwent measurement of the “Reconstructed toe width to Third toe width ratio.” In addition, 16 patients who could be followed up for 3 years through the mid-term course were evaluated for mid-term progress. At 6 months after surgery, the mean R/T ratio was 1.246. In patients who could be followed up for 3 years after surgery, the mean R/T ratios at 6 months after surgery and at 3 years were significantly decreased. This result suggests that the thickness of the reconstructed toe may become relatively thin in the long term.     

An experimental study on the pathogenesis of congenital hand malformations--with reference to local disturbance in the limb bud and polydactyly

Pathogenetic conditions for polydactyly and its pathogenesis were studied by inducing the condition at a high incidence by incubating fertilized ova of white leghorns and locally cauterizing the limb bud with a bipolar microcoagulator. Polydactyly commonly occurred in about 12 hours of the latter half of the third day after cauterization (5 watts) of the preaxial area of the limb bud. This suggests the involvement of space- and time-specificity under the appropriate strength of such stimulation in the pathogenesis of polydactyly. Most polydactyly involved the first toe. Disturbance in the primordium of the metatarsal bone was believed to be related to the pathogenesis. Many reductive complex malformations resembling polydactyly were seen, and the repairing mechanism of these malformations was similar to that of polydactyly. Thus, it seems that the repairing mechanism is oriented to acquiring the proper number of toes and that acquisition of the first toe becomes particularly dominant, resulting in a tendency for polydactyly in the first toe.