Percutaneous surgery for overlapping fifth toe

Abstract

Category: Lesser Toes Introduction/Purpose: Overlapping fifth toe is an unusual disease in which the fifth toe is adducted, rotated, and hyperextended. This pathology is often asymptomatic, however pain may occur with footwear. Although there are many surgical techniques available, there is yet no gold standard. While old techniques were aggressive and cosmetically inappropriate, newest techniques involve large surgical incisions and risk of neurovascular damage. Percutaneous surgery is a novel approach which avoids the disadvantages that old and new techniques present. It was originally described by De Prado but no case series have been reported in adults up to date. The aim of this study is to describe a percutaneous corrective technique of the overlapping fifth toe and to evaluate its functional results and patient satisfaction. Methods: We performed a retrospective review of 12 feet in 10 adult patients who were surgically treated between 2008 and 2016. The percutaneous surgical technique consisted in a dorsal capsulotomy and extensor tenotomy followed by an osteotomy of the proximal phalanx (as described by De Prado). We added to his procedure the use of a K-wire to stabilize the osteotomies. In 6 of these feet a percutaneous oblique osteotomy of the fifth metatarsal was also performed. This osteotomy was stabilized using the same K-wire, which was removed 1 month after surgery. All patients were clinically rated prior to surgery and at the final follow-up visit using the AOFAS Score for lesser toes. In addition, patients were asked to provide a subjective qualification of the results (pain/cosmetic) as “excellent”, “good”, “regular” and “poor” and to state if they would recommend the surgical procedure to one of their peers. Results: The average follow up was 48 months (104 - 9). Osteotomy consolidation was completely achieved in all patients. There were no infections or wound complications. Mean preoperative AOFAS score was 38 (20-55) and postoperative score was 84 (62-95). Patient subjective qualification after surgery was: excellent for 7 feet, good for 3 and regular and poor for the remaining 2 feet. Nine of the ten patients stated that they would recommend the procedure. Conclusion: Percutaneous treatment of the overlapping fifth toe is a reproducible surgical technique with good functional results, low postoperative complications and good cosmetic acceptance by the patients.