Aïnhum: aspects cliniques, radiographiques et thérapeutiques à propos de 3 cas

The ainhum or spontaneous dactylolysis is a rare pathologic condition in which a hyperkeratosis necking groove is formed around the proximal portion of the fifth toe leading to its auto-amputation. They were three all male patients, aged 32-52 years, without concept of smoking, or similar family pathology, no notion of barefoot walking long distances or previous trauma. They consulted for pain of the fifth toe or for a desire of amputation of the fifth toe. Disease duration ranged from 18 months to 6 years. On examination, the patient was in good condition without fever. We noted a keratotic consistency constriction ring loose or tight enclosing the base of the right fifth toe. The other ends were free from any constriction. Radiography of the foot noted constriction adjacent soft parts in all patients and bone involvement in 2 patients. The diagnosis of aïnhum was made. A surgical treatment with Z-plasty or amputation was performed. The outcome was favorable with no uncommitted functional prognosis. The ainhum spontaneous is a rare disease, the diagnosis is clinical. The prognosis after surgical treatment is favorable. These observations by their diversity show different aspects of aïnhum.