Abstract
Aim: Stainsby and Briggs described a procedure for the correction of þxed claw toes. We studied the results of the Stainsby procedure in non-rheumatoid þxed claw-toes performed between March 1995 and January 2000. Method: All procedures were reviewed independently by the junior authors. The outcome was measured using the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society lesser toe scale (Kitaoka 1994). Patients were asked about overall satisfaction and whether they would recommend the operation to a family member. Results: Thirty-seven patients were operated on, four of whom died and one moved away, leaving 32 patients (38 feet, 88 toes) for study. The median age of the study patients was 59.5years (16–80 years) and median follow-up was 37 months (12–60 months). Twenty-two patients had hallux valgus, 7 pes cavus and 6 underwent salvage surgery for previous failed forefoot surgery. The median AOFAS score at follow-up was 80 (37–95). Thirty-four feet (89%) were satisfactory and 25 patients (78%) would recommend the operation. Wound problems occurred in 11 feet (29%) and transient paraesthesiae in 9 (24%). Dissatisfaction was usually due to the ßoppiness of the toe. Conclusion: The Stainsby procedure is a good salvage procedure for severe claws toes with good patient perception and function.
Theses abstracts were prepared by Professor Dr. Frantz Langlais. Correspondence should be addressed to him at EFORT Central Office, Freihofstrasse 22, CH-8700 Küsnacht, Switzerland.
