To analyze treatment outcome of curly toe and to suggest appropriate treatment modality according to the degree of deformity.

26 patients with 37 curly toes were subject to study. The mean age was 20 months (range 6 to 42 months), and one neglected case aged 28 years. Grade 1 were treated with strapping. Grade 2 and 3 were treated with open flexor tenotomy. The degree of deformity was analyzed by utilizing grade which Hamer and others once used previously, and the condition of pre- and post-treatment was evaluated.

Of 18 cases with preoperative condition grade 1, all cases had favourable results which showed 16 cases remaining in grade 1 and 2 cases becoming almost normal. The average grade was 0.88 at the last follow-up. Of 19 cases with preoperative condition grade 2 or grade 3, 5 cases had remained mild rotational deformity with grade 1, and 14 cases were recovered to normal. The average grade was 2.57 preoperatively and 0.26 postoperatively.

It is very important to assess the degree of deformity before deciding treatment method for curly toe. In case of grade 2 or grade 3, an open flexor tenotomy has proven to be effective treatment. Surgical treatment may provide favorable results regardless of age, whenever it is performed in case with persistent severe deformity.