[Treatment of claw toes deformity]

Abstract

Introduction: Within pathologic alterations that affect foot and ankle, claw toes deformity is one of the most frequent with an incidence of 20%. There are many surgical options to treat this deformity reported in literature.

Objective: To show clinical experience of the Orthopedic Department of Hospital "Victorio de la Fuente Narváez" in lesser toes claw deformity treated with resection of the proximal interphalangic joint, as a treatment for alignment and better function.

Material and methods: We performed a retrospective clinical trial, in the period between January 2001 and December 2003 with a mean follow up of 14 months. Twenty three patients were included (43 fingers) 17 female and 6 male (mean age 54) bilateral deformity in 7 patients (19 fingers) unilateral in 16 patients (24 fingers); the most commonly affected finger was the second (55.8%). Clinical and radiographic diagnosis were made. Surgical treatment indication was determined in relation to functional impairment, type of shoe used and concomitant pathology. Functional assessment was done with AOFAS scale and a visual analogue scale.

Results: Satisfactory results were reported in 18 patients (78.3%), not entirely satisfactory results 3 patients (13%) and not satisfactory results in 2 patients (8.7%).

Conclusion: Accordingly with the results obtained we can conclude that the surgical technique is simple and effective in treatment of lesser toes claw deformity, returning function and morphology of the forefoot.