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Ainhum is a rare and interesting condition which is peculiar to the Negro. It is characterized by spontaneous amputation of the fifth toe; however, other toes or, rarely, a finger may be affected. It occurs more frequently in certain parts of the world, such as the west coast of Africa, the West Indies and some parts of South America, but in the United States it occurs relatively infrequently.
REPORT OF CASE
W. A., a Negro aged 49, a miner, came under my observation at Empire, Ala., on May 2, 1940. He gave a history of having had a constriction around his right little toe for a year. During that time the condition was entirely painless. Four months prior to the time of observation he began to have considerable pain in his right fifth toe, especially when walking or standing. Itching of the toe had also been present for about four