Aesthetic and Anatomic Reconstruction of Polysyndactyly of the Fifth Toe Fused With the Fourth Toe

Background The aim of the study was to present a new operative technique for aesthetic and anatomic reconstruction of polysyndactyly of the fifth toe fused with the fourth toe. Methods Surgery was performed in 86 feet in 73 patients with polysyndactyly of the fifth toe fused with the fourth toe. The operation involved polydactyly excision, syndactyly release using an improved dorsal asymmetric gullwing flap for web space reconstruction without skin grafting, and simultaneous correction of valgus deformity and brachydactyly of the toes. The web shape (height and width),scar contracture, and aesthetic outcomes (foot contour and morphology of the reconstructed fifth toe) were assessed using the criterion of D'Arcangelo, Vancouver Scar Scale score, and older children and parent-based satisfactory questionnaire, respectively. Results The patients were followed up for 12 to 36 months. The reconstructed web spaces were slightly deeper than normal, with an hourglass shape and a physiological slope. Valgus deformity was completely corrected without recurrence. The reconstructed fifth toes appeared to be visually lengthened. On the basis of the criterion of D'Arcangelo, the height and width of the webs were good in 76, fair in 10, and poor in none of the feet. The mean Vancouver Scar Scale score was 1.5. All parents and patients were satisfied with the appearance and function. Conclusions Our new operative procedure could achieve aesthetic and anatomic reconstruction of polysyndactyly of the fifth toe fused with the fourth toe with good shape of the reconstructed web space without skin grafting, favorable appearance and axis alignment of the reconstructed fifth toes, and good foot contour.