Assessment of Outcome of Surgical Reconstruction of Pre-axial Foot Polysyndactyly by Using Y-Style Incision

Abstract

Pre-axial foot polysyndactyly results in both functional and aesthetic issues. Many reconstructive principles have been described to provide good aesthetic appearance and functional improvement, particularly with regard to shoe fitting.

To evaluate the principles used to identify which toe should be excised and which should be preserved in pre-axial foot polysyndactyly, with assessment of Y-style incision.

Eight patients were included in the study, five males (three with bilateral involvement) and three females (two with bilateral involvement). A total of 12 feet were operated on.

Eleven of 12 operated feet showed aesthetic improvement to varying degrees according to the Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale, with improved shoe fitting reported in 11 patients. All patients had no functional walking problems preoperatively, and no postoperative functional deterioration was reported, except for one patient who experienced foot pain that improved over time.

Preservation of a more normal toe using the principles described in this study, combined with Y-style incision, provides acceptable aesthetic and functional outcomes.