An unusual case of postaxial polydactyly of the foot treated by metatarsal transfer

Abstract

Postaxial polydactyly is a relatively rare congenital deformity. We present a unique unusual fourth metatarsal type polydactyly in which the extra bone from the fourth metatarsal bone articulated with the most lateral ray proximal phalanx. We discuss the surgical management of this problem using a bone transfer from the extra metatarsal bone within the midfoot. This is the first reported case of fourth metatarsal-type polydactyly treated by bone transfer of the extra metatarsal bone and internal plate fixation to recover normal articulation. The normal orientation of the metatarsophalangeal joint, alignment, and cosmesis are important determinants when selecting the bone to be excised in cases of lateral ray foot polydactyly.

Keywords: 4; congenital deformity; digit; foot; lateral ray; toe.