title: Problems in polydactyly of the foot.
abstract: 1. Polydactyly should be treated early. 2. Adequate bone and soft tissue should be removed. 3. One arm of the Y should be removed surgically in the incompletely duplicated Y metatarsal. 4. The incompletely duplicated Y metatarsal shaved to form a single shaft may at first be bowed, but will remodel to form normal or nearly normal bone. 5. The wide metatarsal head associated with a duplicated phalanx should be narrowed surgically to avoid the development of a painful bunion. 6. Short block-like metatarsals remain abnormal. 7. Polydactyly associated with a short first metatarsal and congenital hallux varus carriers a poorer treatment prognosis and may require continuing treatment. 8. Postoperative casting and taping should be utilized to prevent angular deformities and encourage normal forefoot contour.
mesh_terms: D002370:Casts, Surgical; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D008684:Metatarsus / Q000002:abnormalities / Q000601:surgery; D008722:Methods; D011182:Postoperative Care; D011859:Radiography; D013576:Syndactyly / Q000601:surgery; D014034:Toes / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery