RESUMO
The most frequent foot and ankle anatomical alterations in the pediatric population are found in the little toes. Several treatments are proposed for these conditions, ranging from total phalangeal resections, phalangeal osteotomies, osteosynthesis, and soft tissue management. We propose a surgical technique based on the diaphysectomy of the proximal phalanx and the release of soft tissues that are under tension. The purpose is to assess the functional foot results after surgical treatment consisting of proximal phalanx diaphysectomy and soft tissue release using the functional AOFAS scale in pediatric patients. A prospective, longitudinal, descriptive, non-comparative clinical study was conducted from March 2008 to December 2010, with a follow-up of up to six months. Twenty patients (35 toes) were included; 15 females and five males, with a mean age of 14.65 years. Fifteen (30 toes) had bilateral involvement; 88.56% had greater involvement of the fifth toe. The surgical indication was determined based on the degree of functional disability for gait and the type of footwear. The functional assessment was conducted using the AOFAS criteria and a subjective assessment scale with a total score of 100 to assess the metatarsophalangeal and the interphalangeal joints of the smallest toes. Scores were as follows: < 50 points, poor; 51-70 points, fair; 71-90, good, and > 91, excellent. The assessment was done preoperatively and at postoperative month six. The mean preoperative score was 73.55 and the mean postoperative score was 85.75, with a 12.2 point difference (p > 0.5). Results were: 11 excellent, seven good and two fair. There were four relapses, so a salvage procedure was performed with the Ruiz-Mora technique; excellent results were obtained in all four. One case had soft tissue infection. Proximal phalanx diaphysectomy and soft tissue release provides appropriate alignment of the affected toes and relief of soft tissues under tension, thus avoiding broad resections leading to both esthetic and functional alterations. This is a simple and effective technique for the treatment of little toe deformities as it improves function and alignment.
