National Center for Advancing and Translational Sciences Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center, a program of the National Center for Advancing and Translational Sciences

Split hand foot malformation

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My son was born with clefts in both of his feet.  Is there any surgical solution to his condition?
Several types of surgery are used to treat split foot (also known as cleft foot, ectrodactyly, or "lobster claw" foot).  The aims of surgery are to allow an affected individual to wear shoes and to improve the appearance of the feet.  The type of surgery depends on the specific malformation of the foot and how severe it is.  Surgery may be done to bring two parts of the foot together, reduce the width of the foot, alter or remove toes, or replace missing toes.  If an affected individual needs surgery, it is recommended that surgery be completed in early childhood (ages 3-5) so the shape of the foot can be molded as the child ages.[1][2]
Last updated: 2/6/2013

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  1. Choudry Q, Kumar R, Turner PG. Congenital cleft foot deformity. Foot and ankle surgery. 2010; 16:e85-e87. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21047597. Accessed 2/1/2013.
  2. Abraham E, Waxman B, Shirali S, Durkin M. Congenital cleft-foot deformity treatment. Journal of Pediatric Orthopedics. 1999; 19:404-410. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10344329. Accessed 2/1/2013.