Does timing of surgery influence the long-term results of foot polydactyly treatment?

BACKGROUND

There is an evident lack of research on timing of polydactyly surgery and its effects on treatment results.

METHODS

Retrospective comparative study on foot polydactyly patients treated at our department from 1995 to 2009. Patients were divided into 2 groups, group A - under the age of 5 at surgery, and group B - 5 years and older.

RESULTS

There were 24 patients (8 male, 16 female), 30 feet. Median age at surgery was 1 year (range, 9 months-4.5 years) for group A, and 8.5 years (range, 6-37 years) for group B. Median follow-up was 16.2 years (range, 7-21 years). There were 16 postaxial and 8 preaxial cases. At the last follow-up 12 patients' feet were "excellent" and 12 "good". No significant differences were identified between the two groups at final follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Timing of surgery for foot polydactyly is not crucial for final results.