Abstract
Introduction: Stainsby’s procedure for correction of severe claw toe deformity is a relatively new procedure in foot and ankle surgery. The purpose of this study is to evaluate our early experience in a single institution.
Method: Between 1998 and 2002 we reviewed retrospectively 17 patients who had severe claw toe deformity who had undergone Stainsby’s procedure. All patients had lesser toe involvement. The records and radiographs were reviewed and the subjective assessment by telephone interview.
Results: Eleven females and six males were included. There were 21 feet and 42 toes with four bilateral feet involvement. Mean age of 56.7 years (range 40–78) and median follow-up was 28 months (range 8–48). Ten feet in nine patients undergone single lesser toe correction and 11 feet in eight patients undergone multiple toe correction were reviewed. Five patients (29.4%) with six feet suffered rheumatoid arthritis (RA); four patients (23.5%) with six feet suffered cavus deformity and the remaining eight patients (47.1%) with nine feet had isolated toe pathology. All patients were presented with shoe wear problem with 16 (94.1%) patients had pain related to callosities. Sixteen (94.1%) patients were satisfied with the results; two patients had persistent metatarsalgia. Forty (95.2%) toes had good alignment and two (4.8%) toes had recurrent asymptomatic clawing. Fifteen (88.2%) patients had unlimited daily activities. Eleven (64.7%) patients are able to have normal foot wear, four (23.5%) require insole support and two (11.8%) required soft padding only. Complications included sensory alteration in two patients who had multiple lesser toe correction and seven patients had superficial wound infection. There was no statistical difference in results related to number of toes operated on and association with RA.
Conclusion: Stainsby’s procedure remains a versatile surgical technique when dealing with severe claw toe deformity. It gives very good correction with high patients’ satisfaction rate and a low complication rate. We recommend this surgical technique, as one of the armamentarium foot and ankle surgeons should acquire.
These abstracts were prepared by Editorial Secretary, George Sikorski. Correspondence should be addressed to Australian Orthopaedic Association, Ground Floor, The William Bland Centre, 229 Macquarie Street, Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia.
None of the authors is receiving any financial benefit or support from any source.
