Delta formation in foot polydactyly

Congenital triangular deformity of the foot bones may occur in phalanges and metatarsals. As it resembles the Greek letter delta it is called "delta phalanx" and "delta metatarsal". We report on 19 delta formations in ten patients with foot polydactyly. Our long-term follow-up of these patients indicates four stages in the ossification process: no ossification of the epiphysis; appearance of single or multiple ossification centers; unification of the ossification centers with nonosseous tissue between the diaphysis and the epiphysis; and, finally, complete ossification. Pathogenetically, the delta formation may represent an intermediate stage in the bifurcation process of a polydactylic ray. Splitting longitudinally in a direction from distal to proximal, it is the root of the bifurcated toe ray.