The long-term progression of macrodactyly

Macrodactyly

Macrodactyly is a rare congenital limb difference manifesting as an overgrowth of one or more fingers or toes. The pathological process affects all tissues of the ray in the hand or foot. The enlargement can significantly alter the limb's appearance and impair its function. The role of a pediatrician is to distinguish isolated macrodactyly from syndromic conditions (including PIK3CA-Related Overgrowth Spectrum) or mimicking conditions to enable early interdisciplinary consultation and treatment planning. The psychological stigma associated with this often disfiguring condition necessitates support for patients and their family. We present a practical guide for physicians who might be the first to raise suspicion of macrodactyly and initiate further diagnostics to achieve adequate treatment and support for children and caregivers.

Work-Up and Treatment Strategies for Individuals with PIK3CA-Related Disorders: A Consensus of Experts from the Scientific Committee of the Italian Macrodactyly and PROS Association

PIK3CA-related disorders encompass many rare and ultra-rare conditions caused by somatic genetic variants that hyperactivate the PI3K-AKT-mTOR signaling pathway, which is essential for cell cycle control. PIK3CA-related disorders include PIK3CA-related overgrowth spectrum (PROS), PIK3CA-related vascular malformations and PIK3CA-related non-vascular lesions. Phenotypes are extremely heterogeneous and overlapping. Therefore, diagnosis and management frequently involve various health specialists. Given the rarity of these disorders and the limited number of centers offering optimal care, the Scientific Committee of the Italian Macrodactyly and PROS Association has proposed a revision of the most recent recommendations for the diagnosis, molecular testing, clinical management, follow-up, and treatment strategies. These recommendations give insight on molecular diagnosis, eligible samples, preferable sequencing, and validation methods and management of negative results. The purpose of this paper is to promote collaboration between health care centers and clinicians with a joint shared approach. Finally, we suggest the direction of present and future research studies, including new systemic target therapies, which are currently under evaluation in several clinical trials, such as specific inhibitors that can be employed to downregulate the signaling pathway.

[Effectiveness analysis of metatarsal mortise and tenon shortening osteotomy in treatment of macrodactyly in children]

Objective

To investigate the application and effectiveness of metatarsal mortise and tenon shortening osteotomy in the treatment of macrodactyly in children.

Methods

The clinical data of 17 children with macrodactyly (18 feet and 27 toes) admitted between January 2018 and January 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 12 males (12 feet and 18 toes) and 5 females (6 feet and 9 toes); the age ranged from 1 to 13 years, with a median age of 5 years. All children were treated with metatarsal mortise and tenon shortening osteotomy. Ten cases of single-segment metatarsals were shortened, 7 cases of 2-segment metatarsals, and 1 case of 3-segment metatarsals; involved 1 foot of single toe, 9 feet of 2 toes, 3 feet of 3 toes, 3 feet of 4 toes, and 2 feet of 5 toes. Five cases had lameness, and 1 case had limited walking with the big toes of both feet, and there was no obvious pain in all children. X-ray films showed that the involved phalanges were thickened and increased in 18 feet, and the deformity of the distal segment was heavier than that of the proximal segment in 13 feet, and the two were similar in 5 feet. The length of metatarsal shortening was 0.7-2.5 cm, with an average of 1.2 cm. The clinical healing of shortened metatarsal fractures in children was observed after operation, and the occurrence of related complications was recorded.

Results

All 17 children were followed up 6-22 months, with an average of 14 months. All incisions healed by first intention. The osteotomy ends of 27 toes were clinically healed after operation, and the healing time was 4-8 weeks. No nonunion, fracture displacement, malunion, epiphyseal plate premature closure, and needle tract infection occurred.

Conclusion

Metatarsal mortise and tenon shortening osteotomy is a good osteotomy method. It can improve the stability of the osteotomy end and increase the contact surface of the osteotomy end, which is conducive to the healing of the osteotomy end and is suitable for the treatment of macrodactyly.