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A Case of Polymetatarsia Without Polydactyly
1Surgery, Australasian College of Podiatric Surgeons, Melbourne, AUS.
Abstract:
Polymetatarsia is an atavistic anomaly characterised by one or more additional metatarsals. Usually found with a supernumerary digit (polydactyly), polymetatarsia without polydactyly is a rare variant. We report a case of a 34-year-old male with polymetatarsia within the first intermetatarsal spaces of both feet without polydactyly. Clinically, moderate dorsal spur formation was visible, and compressive pain from ankylosed additional metatarsals within the first intermetatarsal spaces was exhibited. Treatment involved resection of his additional metatarsals with concomitant correction of his hallux valgus deformities and bilateral second brachymetatarsia. He reported a reduction in pressure and pain that was maintained until his discharge appointment at six weeks postoperatively. Resection of additional metatarsals may provide effective pain relief in symptomatic patients.
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