Surgical management and postoperative evaluation based on morphological classification in central polydactyly of the foot

Summary Purpose Central polydactyly of the foot is rare, with few reports on surgical methods and treatment indications. In this study, based on the experience of central polydactyly in our department, we will consider morphological classification and describe our treatment plan. Method In this retrospective study, 11 patients (11 digits) with central polydactyly were identified among 136 patients of polydactyly of the foot (2009–2018). They were classified according to morphologic characteristics: type I, the duplicated digits are independent of each other; type II, digits of the same size are duplicated; and type III, digits of different sizes are duplicated. Results In morphologic classification, there were 4 cases of type II and 7 cases of type III, but there was no case of type I. For type II, surgery was performed using the Bilhaut-Cloquet (BC) procedure in 2 patients, bone-removing flap (flap) method in 1 patient, and simple ablation in 1 patient. For type III, surgery was performed using the BC procedure in 1 patient, flap method in 3 patients, simple ablation in 2 patients, and ligation in 1 patient with floating type. Conclusion In order to obtain good cosmetic results in digits of morphologic classifications type II and III, it is necessary to select the surgical approach with careful consideration of every feature.