Abstract: Objective To explore the surgical management and outcomes of central polydactyly with duplicated metatarsals. Methods Five child patients of central polydactyly with duplicated metatarsals were retrospectively reviewed from February 2013 to October 2018. They were treated with the V-shape incision, followed by polydactyly excision, repairs of the interosseus and the intermetatarsal ligaments, as well as wedge resection of cuneiforms in wide-forefoot cases. For follow-up assessment, the metatarsal gap ratio (MGR) values were measured and compared. The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) rating systems were adopted to evaluate the foot function. Results All cases recovered well. None have reported any difficulties in walking or running. Postoperative MGR values decreased significantly compared with preoperative. The results of AOFAS scales were from 88 to 100 points, indicating excellent/good foot function. Conclusion Surgical treatments of central polydactyly with duplicated metatarsals successfully change the cosmetic appearance of the foot, while retain the satisfactory foot function. To minimize the width of the forefoot, wedge resection of the cuneiforms is strongly recommended in wide-forefoot cases.

Key words: Congenital foot deformity, Central polydactyly, Duplicated metatarsals, Surgical management, Functional evaluation of the foot