Incidental detection of bilateral tarsal 3rd middle phalangeal bipartition in the emergency department: a case report

Abstract

Introduction: Bipartite bone formation is a congenital variation occurring due to the incomplete ossification of newly forming bones in the body. The patella and sesamoid bones are the most common bipartite bone sites. However, some unusual bones can also have this kind of variation and it is important to diagnose them correctly and avoid unnecessary overtreatment. Such unique conditions are being presented as individual case reports and published. Although distal phalangeal bipartition is reported before, to our knowledge, this is the first and only case to be reported to have bipartition in the tarsal middle phalanges in the literature. Case report: In this case report, we are presenting the case of a 10-year-old boy, who presented to the Emergency Department due to a glass cut to the plantar site of the right foot, and bipartition in the 3rd middle phalanges of both feet has been found in the radiographies. Conclusion: Differentiating bipartite bone formations from fractures is important in the clinical setting. Unique presentations of these bony formations, such as tarsal middle phalanges as in our case, should be considered. By doing so, overtreatment and unnecessary interventions can be prevented.