Simple Classification of Foot Polydactyly Based on The Status of Metatarsal Bone and Varus Deformity

Polydactyly is a most common congenital anomaly of the foot. As is in the hand, it's classification systems and operative methods are various and complicated, but not much attention is given. We reviewed 129 foot polydactylies of 96 patients since the last 10 years(1993- 2003). Cases were classified morphologically and radiologically by previous classification systems(Wassel's classification, Hirase's classification) and then operative methods, complications, residual deformities were reviewed. Cases from the complications related to surgery including residual deformities were the major concern and 20 cases of unfavorable results were mainly due to varus deformity and metatarsal bone status. Based on our study, cases were reclassified by metatarsal bone status and varus deformity, and in conclusion we found that the new classification system is more helpful in deciding surgical method, predicting complications and residual deformities. Therefore, we suggested a new simple classification system based on the status of metatarsal bone and varus deformity, which is a more suitable system to planning operative method and predicting complication and residual deformity than the previous classification system.