Lower extremity postaxial polydactyly: Current literature status and future avenues.

BACKGROUND

Despite lower extremity polydactyly (LEP) representing the most common congenital foot anomaly with functional and psychosocial implications, the literature is devoid of comprehensive, synthesizing reviews. The purpose of the current review is to identify an evidence-based approach to guide clinical management and shed light on reported functional and esthetic outcomes for postaxial polydactyly.

METHODS

A scoping systematic review of primary clinical studies was performed. Baseline patient characteristics, diagnostic, and surgical approaches were recorded. Main outcomes included immediate postoperative pain, infections, callouses, scar cosmesis, residual deformities, and difficulty with shoe-wear or mobility. A qualitative synthesis of outcomes was performed, and a therapeutic algorithm was developed.

RESULTS

Nine primary studies were identified representing 375 cases of LEP; mean age was 28.8 months (range: 20-40.6 months), and mean follow-up: 42.7 months (range: 1 month-41 years). Ray dominance and the presence of syndactyly were identified as the most important factors for surgical planning; age at surgery was insignificant. A lateral incision approach was used in 78% of cases. Postoperative callouses occurred in 22.1% of cases, infections in 2.5%, and intermittent pain in 11.9%. Significant issues with shoe-wear or mobilization and esthetic residual deformities were reported for 0.78% and 41.2% of cases, respectively. The incidence of residual valgus was 10.6%.

CONCLUSION

LEP is most commonly managed with excision of the non-dominant ray and carries excellent long-term functional outcomes, as presented herein. Numerous techniques are discussed to minimize the risk of esthetic sequalae, although the presence of residual valgus remains a concern. A therapeutic algorithm is proposed for the optimal management of LEP.