Surgical management of ectrodactyly-associated foot deformity in a child: a case report

Ectrodactyly, also called split hand/foot malformation, is a rare birth defect where some middle fingers or toes are missing or not formed properly, making the hand or foot look split. This condition can happen on its own or as part of more complicated syndromes such as ectrodactyly-ectodermal dysplasia-cleft syndrome. Surgery for young patients is usually tailored to their specific needs on the basis of how much the condition affects their ability to function and their appearance.

In this manuscript, we reported a case of a Punjabi 6-year-old female presenting with difficulty in walking and an abnormal appearance of her left foot since birth. The clinical examination revealed the congenital absence of the second and third toes, syndactyly between the first and fourth digits, and a bony protrusion on the dorsum of the foot. The patient's radiological evaluation confirmed the absence of corresponding metatarsals and phalanges. The patient underwent a ray amputation of the first and fourth digits, along with the removal of the ectopic phalanx. The surgical procedure resulted in improved weight-bearing and cosmetic appearance. On the third postoperative day, the patient was discharged, and she demonstrated satisfactory healing and ambulation during follow-up.

This case highlights the surgical management of a rare foot deformity associated with ectrodactyly in a child. Ray amputation proved to be a functional and aesthetically acceptable approach. Early recognition and tailored interventions are crucial for optimizing the patient outcomes in congenital limb anomalies.