Zanoli's procedure for overlapping fifth toe - Retrospective study of 18 cases followed for 4-17 years

Digitus quintus superductus pedis (overlapping fifth toe) is a congenital d eformity, often bilateral, in which the fifth toe is medially directed, rot ated and hyperextended. There is no consensus regarding the best treatment. We describe our experience using Zanoli's procedure, which is a tenodesis procedure using the extensor tendon of the fifth toe. Between 1979 and 1993 , we operated on 16 patients (7 bilateral, total 23 feet). 13 (10 women) pa tients (18 feet), with a mean age of 26 (19-40) years, were seen on follow- up. The mean follow-up time was 8 (4-17) years. Pain relief was achieved in all patients. From the surgeon's point of view, 3 toes overcorrected due t o technical errors were considered unsatisfactory. All patients, however, w ere satisfied with the result and would advise other patients to undergo th e same operation.