Tenotomy for curly toes in children

For the treatment of

Curly toe deformity

Commissioning position

This intervention is commissioned if:

  • there is skin thickening, blistering, trauma, or pressure from adjacent toes OR
  • pain affecting functional activities AND
  • the above symptoms have persisted despite conservative measures advised by a podiatrist AND
  • the child is aged 6 years or older

Summary of rationale

Curly toes can be left if they are not causing problems and, even if symptomatic, usually until the age of 6 years before deciding to proceed with an operation. Only 1 in 10 cases of curly toes cause any trouble.

References

CKS Curly toes in children (NICE)

Royal Orthopaedic Hospital - Children's Curly Toes

Associated Pathways

There are no associated pathways.

Specialties

York - MSK & Orthopaedics

Places covered by

  • east-riding
  • hull
  • north-east-lincolnshire
  • north-lincolnshire
  • north-yorkshire
  • vale-of-york
Date created: 12/06/2025, 14:59
Last modified: 12/06/2025, 14:59
Date of review: 31.1.2028