Introduction Common congenital deformity flexion and varus deformity of the interphalangeal joints contracture of the flexor digitorum longus (FDL) or flexor digitorum brevis (FDB) is the most common cause True incidence and natural history unknown usually involves lateral three toes usually bilateral Presentation Symptoms usually asymptomatic Imaging Radiographs not indicated Treatment Nonoperative observation indications usually asymptomatic and requires no treatment toe strapping not found to be beneficial Operative soft tissue release e.g. flexor tenotomy indications FDL release reserved for severe toe deformity or nail bed deformity in children typically > 3 years old outcomes 85-90% effective flexor tenotomy is as effective as flexor tendon transfer Techniques Surgical soft tissue release open tenotomy of both slips of the flexor digitorum brevis (FDB) and FDL tendon open tenotomy of one slip of the flexor digitorum brevis (FDB) tendon only flexor digitorum longus (FDL) transfer to the extensor hood
QUESTIONS 1 of 2 1 2 Previous Next This is an AAOS Self assessment question. Orthobullets was not involved into the editorial process, and does not have the ability to alter. If you prefer to hide SAE questions on topics simply turn them off in your Content Settings (SAE07PE.97) What is the preferred treatment of a symptomatic curly toe deformity in a 6-year-old child? Review Topic QID: 6157 1 Observation 20% (7/35) 2 Tape the toe to the adjacent toes for 8 weeks 11% (4/35) 3 Tenotomy of the flexor tendons 69% (24/35) 4 Transfer of the flexor tendons to the extensor mechanism 0% (0/35) 5 Arthrodesis of the proximal interphalangeal joint 0% (0/35) N/A Select Answer to see Preferred Response PREFERRED RESPONSE 3 (OBQ09.226) An 8 month-old girl is brought in to your clinic by her mother for a second opinion of her daughter's congenital deformity seen in Figures A and B. The mother reports that the first surgeon recommended an open tenotomy of one slip of the flexor digitorum brevis (FDB) tendon, dissection of the collateral ligament and the volar plate, and reconstruction of the plantar skin defect. What is your recommendation to the patient's mother for treatment of the congenital curly toe? Review Topic QID: 3039 FIGURES: A B 1 Flexor digitorum longus (FDL) transfer to the extensor side 2% (62/3077) 2 Open tenotomy of one slip of the flexor digitorum brevis (FDB) tendon only 3% (99/3077) 3 Toe strapping with tape 10% (305/3077) 4 Open tenotomy of both slips of the flexor digitorum brevis (FDB) and FDL tendon 5% (144/3077) 5 Observation 80% (2451/3077) ML 2 Select Answer to see Preferred Response PREFERRED RESPONSE 5