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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jan 12, 2026

Evaluating the Function of the Foot Core System in the Elderly

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Empty Toe Phenomenon 3 Decades After Its Initial Description: A Case Report.

Timothy Aaron Kuan¹, Ho Yeung Lai, Michael Matthew Chan

¹Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Tuen Mun Hospital, Hong Kong, China.

JBJS Case Connector

|November 6, 2025

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

The empty toe phenomenon, a rare degloving toe injury, was treated with open reduction and K-wire fixation. Prompt surgical intervention and fasciotomy led to successful toe survival and function.

Keywords:

Morel-Lavallee lesion closed degloving injury closed toe fracture dislocation compartment syndrome crush injury empty toe phenomenon foot phalanx trauma

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Area of Science:

Orthopedic surgery
Trauma care
Podiatric medicine

Background:

The empty toe phenomenon is a rare manifestation of closed degloving injuries.
This condition involves displacement of the toe's bony structure within the surrounding soft tissue envelope.

Purpose of the Study:

To report a case of the empty toe phenomenon.
To describe the surgical management and outcome of this rare injury.

Main Methods:

A case report of a 68-year-old patient with closed degloving injury of the left fifth toe.
Surgical intervention included open reduction via a C-shaped incision, K-wire fixation, and prophylactic fasciotomy.
The bony component of the fifth toe was displaced into the soft tissue of the fourth toe.

Main Results:

The surgical procedure successfully repositioned the displaced bony component.
The toe survived with a satisfactory functional outcome observed 1 year post-surgery.
Prophylactic fasciotomy was performed as part of the management.

Conclusions:

Early surgical reduction and fasciotomy are crucial for improving toe survival in cases of empty toe phenomenon.
Radiographic findings at initial presentation may offer prognostic insights into the outcome of these injuries.