Syndactylisation with internal bracing using a suture-button construct for severe cleft foot (Ectrodactyly): A 3-year
Arpit Sahu1, Siva Srivastava Garika2, Vikrant Manhas3
1Department of Orthopaedics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences - Central Armed Police Forces Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS-CAPFIMS), New Delhi, India.
Introduction:
Ectrodactyly, or split foot malformation, is a rare congenital limb anomaly characterized by absence or hypoplasia of central digits, leading to functional limitations and cosmetic concerns. Surgical management aims to restore alignment, improve stability, and allow regular footwear usage. This report presents a novel approach using syndactylisation with internal bracing in a pediatric case.
Case Presentation:
A 7-year-old girl with non-syndromic ectrodactyly of the right foot presented with difficulty in ambulation and footwear use. Clinical and radiographic assessment revealed a wide central cleft, absent second and third toes, and divergent first and fourth metatarsals. Surgical treatment included excision of the malformed third metatarsal, syndactylisation of the first and fourth rays, and internal bracing using the ButtonFix-F suture-button system.
Conclusion:
Syndactylisation reinforced with the ButtonFix-F implant provides a promising treatment option for pediatric ectrodactyly. The method ensures functional restoration, cosmetic improvement, and durable correction in growing children.
