Biphalangeal fifth toe.

BACKGROUND

A biphalangeal fifth toe is a common variant in the European population. The frequency is higher in the Japanese population. It is considered an anatomical variant of the normal triphalangeal fifth toe.

METHODS

Patients divided into three study groups were retrospectively reviewed to determine the effect of a biphalangeal fifth toe on the occurrence of clinically symptomatic pathology of the fifth ray.

RESULTS

The prevalence of a biphalangeal fifth toe in patients with hammer or claw toes was 65%, bunionettes 47%, and overriding fifth toe 37%. Only for the group with hammer or claw toes was prevalence significantly higher than that in the control group (39%).

CONCLUSION

The stiffness and rigidity of the biphalangeal fifth toe may predispose it for symptomatic hammer or claw toe.