Middle Phalangectomy for the Correction of Toe Clinodactyly With Longitudinal Epiphyseal Bracket in Young Children

Toe clinodactyly is often owed to the presence of a longitudinal epiphyseal bracket. We developed middle phalangectomy as a simple surgical solution for correction of toe clinodactyly because of longitudinal epiphyseal bracket in childhood. Ten children (ages 1-5 years) were operated on by the same surgeon between October 2007 and May 2012 (n = 15 feet). The same surgical technique was used in all the cases. A clinical evaluation included the appearance of the foot, the parents' level of satisfaction, and the presence or absence of bothersome symptoms (such as pain and discomfort when wearing footwear). A radiological evaluation under weight-bearing conditions enabled us to 1) rate the achievement of a natural-looking toe parabola and 2) detect the recurrence of clinodactyly (defined as an angle of >40° between 2 adjacent phalanges). The mean follow-up period was 5.4 (range 3.3 to 8.1) years. Nine sets of parents (90%) were satisfied with the results of the procedure. None had difficulties wearing boots, and only 1 child (10%) had residual pain during sports activities. Clinodactyly recurred in 3 feet in 3 patients (20% of feet, 30% of patients). Two (20%) of the latter patients underwent repeat surgery and achieved a lasting, satisfactory outcome. Middle phalangectomy is an appropriate procedure for the treatment of toe clinodactyly because of longitudinal epiphyseal bracket in young children. However, the patients' long-term outcomes (notably once bone growth has ended) must be assessed.